Middle School Jewels-From the Mouths of Babes

We are approximately 3 weeks into our middle-school computer science classes at the Howard University Middle School of Math and Science. All instructors are starting to remember 120 6th-8th graders by name, and the 6 of us (2 faculty, 2 undergrads, 2 grad students) are starting to get hugs, waves, and acknowledgements in the hallway.

One of the best things I love about these kids are the things they say! Who knew that middle-school students were so ABSOLUTELY comical! I think it's the combination of their youth, naivete, and the things they've heard from adults (family, teachers, etc.) that makes what they say so hilarious. Every day, I can guarantee at least 2 students are going to put a smile on my face and guarantee me a laugh. I've listed a few below. I gave them my own names that best describe them (and also protect their identities):

• Little Lady-the tiniest 6th grader who speaks in a matter-of-fact-yet-monotone voice. Somehow, Little Lady can always answer any question you ask. However, it's going to take her about 5 minutes to do so, because she always provides such an intro to her answer that she forgets exactly what her answer was supposed to be along the way. Most of LL's responses start off great, and almost always end with "umm..I forgot what I was gonna say."
• Wonder Twins-My 6th grade twins (brother and sister) who are like night and day. Clearly, Jayna(the original Wonder Twin sis reference) is running the show, so much that she will quickly inform the class (if they begin chatting while she's speaking) "EXCUSE ME! I'm talking." Zan (brother) is pretty low-key. Although he will quickly inform his classmates, "why don't ya'll grow up..ya'll are in middle school!" *insert blank stare*
• Primetime, Maximum Swag, and Silent Assassin-This is my 7th grade trio I like to call "3 the Hard Way." Primetime earned his name because he looks like a young Deion Sanders. He provided today's comic relief when he answered the question "How does a GPS system use computer science?" with "MECHANISMS!!" I asked, "Primetime, what does mechanisms mean?" His response, "I don't know, it just sounded good!" Maximum Swag earned his name from the first day of class. When asked to write one thing he thinks few people know about him, his answer was "that I have maximum swag." *insert another blank stare*. Silent Assassin is the quiet one of the 3. He doesn't comment much, so not much else to say about him. These three always sit together and always have something going on that is comical.
• Ladies Man-Need I say how this 8th-grader earned his name? Suffice it to say, he is ALWAYS around some girls in the class.
• #1 Fan-#1 Fan is a 7th-grade female who finds a way to answer ANY question we ask with something related to Trey Songz. Since the class is supposed to include cultural relevance, this is great. As long as she understands the concepts then consider me his #2 fan! On the first day of class, we allowed the students to ask the instructors random questions to learn more about us. #1 proceeds to ask me the following: Who do you like better? 1)Beyonce' or Keri Hilson? (Me: At this point, Keri..to which she was amazed and quite disturbed) 2)Trey Songz or Drake (Me: NEITHER! *insert blank stare by students) 3)Hip Hop or Rap? (Me: Do you know what the difference between the two are? #1:Umm...no)

 As you can see, we have a mix of characters who keep us entertained. Stay tuned. It's only week 4 of 41. I'm sure by June I'll be able to write a NEW book!!! Hold that thought!!

Kids And Computers: A Message to Parents on When to Say When

I just learned of the death of another child, a 14-year old boy in NY who was the victim of cyberbullying for the past 12 months because of his sexuality. I find that things always happen for a reason, and how tragically ironic that, in our middle school classes, the next two days are dedicated to staying safe on the Internet, cyberbullying, and ethical behavior.

I grew up in an era when the only thing you could do on the computer, as a middle or high-school student, was play games like Oregon Trail and Jeopardy. Now, students have access to the world wide web, including social networking sites, porngraphic websites, and more. I was so shocked and appalled when 6 of my 6th-graders told me in class today that they've had Facebook accounts for 3 years. I asked for clarity, "so you mean to tell me you've had a Facebook account since you were in the third grade?" They each responded yes, except one, who informed me she'd had her account for the past year.

Next moment of surprise, when this same student (after being shown a video about how NOT to talk to strangers online and provide personal information to anyone) informed us that, just like the girl in the video, someone on Facebook sent her a friend request and started sending her messages asking her age, if she was a boy or girl, and where she lived, when she denied the request.

For a while, it was very hard for me to understand why some kids have cell phones. There are the exceptions, like those who take the metro, etc. and need accessibility for emergencies, etc. That's understandable. However, I DO NOT understand why a child in 3rd through 8th grade has a Facebook account. Why are 3rd graders on Facebook? Where are the parents? Why would you allow this? What can a child possibly learn or benefit from a Facebook account? One of these 6th grade students told me, they did a search and found his mom, uncle, and a couple of other family members as well.

We've all wondered when parents are going to start being parents, but this is taking this question to a totally different level. I know plenty of people who will not like this blog and, to be honest, I really don't care. There are certain things that need to be said to parents of these kids. Jamey Rodemeyer's death is ANOTHER unfortunate example of when parents must be held accountable. I don't mean the parents of this victim. I mean the parents of his VICTIMIZERS! WHERE ARE THEIR PARENTS?!

Cyber-bullying has plagued our children since the onset of these social networking sites. Why are our children allowed to have Twitter, Facebook, Foamspring(where his anonymous attacks were posted), and other sites if parents aren't talking to their children about why they not only need or want this account, but how they will use it? From the stories I've read on CNN's website, this child received some HORRIBLE anonymous posts about him on this Foamspring site.



A student at Williamsville North High School, Jamey had been tormented for the past 12 months by cyberbullies who made disparaging comments with gay references on his Formspring account, a website that allows anonymous posts.
"JAMIE IS STUPID, GAY, FAT ANND [sic] UGLY. HE MUST DIE!" one post said, according to local reports. Another read, "I wouldn't care if you died. No one would. So just do it :) It would make everyone WAY more happier!"



Why are there still websites allowing anonymous posts? These children and people are COWARDS. They have clearly NOT been taught by their parents to respect others, including their differences. What's worse, they CLEARLY do not have parents who are teaching (or more importantly punishing) them for doing things such as this.

Parents, it is time that you all grow up and become PARENTS and stop trying to be your child's friend? You are supposed to lead by example. Why are so many parents burying their children because they have taken their own life, rather than endure any more torment at the hands of their peers, who are too cowardly to even tell them how they feel to his face? When will we show our children that being different is ENCOURAGED and to be LEADERS and not followers? More importantly, WHEN WILL PARENTS HAVE CONSEQUENCES FOR THEIR CHILDREN'S ACTIONS, SUCH AS THESE?

I remember being told, be careful what you say. Because once it's out there, you can't take it back. In this FB era, there is no discretion with these kids. Everything is public news. Their business is tweeted daily, and they don't care what they say or show.  What's worse, they think it's ok to say/do whatever, because they've seen their parents, family, and other adults do the same.

I had one 6th grader today, when watching the video about the girl making so many internet safety mistakes yell out "She is so RETARDED! Why would she do that?" I QUICKLY checked him about this comment, how inappropriate it was and how it will NOT happen again in this class or he will be gone. Where are the teachers who will enforce this and stand UP for these kids? They are hurting, they are scared, and they feel like they have no option other than to end their lives? Where are the TEACHERS and ADULTS standing up for these kids and making examples of these bullies?

Parents, you MUST do the following with your children and computers:

1. DO NOT allow them to create social networking accounts, etc. unless they are of a mature age to do so.
2. Discuss safe/appropriate use of the Internet.
3. IF they have accounts, have the passwords to ALL of them. Check these accounts to ensure they are NOT being bullied or are bullying others.
4. Make sure any computer used in the house is ALWAYS used in a common area where others are visible (i.e. living room, kitchen, etc.). Nothing should be a secret operation.
5. Discuss with your kids the importance of being a leader, and the first step in doing that is by standing up for those who are being hurt by others.
6. Do NOT visit sites they shouldn't. Let them know what types of sites are considered inappropriate.
7. Check your Internet History options on your web browser. You can ALWAYS find what sites have been visited on the computer and discuss these with your kids.
8. Place Internet blocks and filters on your computers, to ensure children don't reach these accounts.
9. Discuss bullying and what is considered bullying. Recognize the signs for help and teach your kids to as well.
10. LEAD BY EXAMPLE. Your FB, Twitter, and other accounts should emulate what you want your kids to portray.


How tragically ironic and said that this child took his life on the eve of the Department of Education's 2nd Summit on cyberbullying and the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell?" How sad that, in 2011, we have to fight such ignorance, not only with adults in the military, but now with our babies?

Now another mother has to bury her child, at the hands of another ignorant parent and child's careless and hurtful comments. There are things that will NOT happen on my watch. I pray that, over the next year, I'm able to save some child's self-esteem, childhood, and more importantly, life.

Violence on College Campuses

I was preparing to go to bed last night and decided to stay up long enough to catch the first 10 minutes of the 11pm local news. The first story that aired was the murder of a Bowie State University sophomore in her dorm room. At that time, no name was released, and there was no potential suspect named. She was stabbed in the neck. There were a few students interviewed who tried to help the student after hearing screams, but no other news. We also learned this all occurred during the university's homecoming week.

By this morning, it was discussed on the Tom Joyner morning show, including the fact that her roommate turned herself in around midnight, the names of the young ladies, and that a similar incident apparently occurred last week at Florida A&M University. I hadn't heard anything about the incident at FAMU. However, I was very disturbed by this incident at Bowie.

Now I just learned according to the Huffington Post, it was over an iPod...an iPod...an IPOD! AN IPOD!!! Someone is DEAD over an IPOD! I'm angry again over this..

As a college professor, I witness a new wave of students arrive while another group leaves every year. You have students from every kind of background (socio-economic, cultural, ethnic, etc.) possible in one melting pot. I witness young men and women who are homesick, and never really adjust to college life, as well as the social butterflies, who end up enjoying college just a little too much. It's only in the classroom that I start to see how students handle conflict resolution, interpersonal skills, etc.

Suffice it to say that this generation of students are lacking TREMENDOUSLY in conflict resolution skills. While I can readily admit that sometimes I allow my emotions to get the best of me, not ONCE have I ever thought to resolve any argument, disagreement, or issue by attacking someone else. I remember when I was in college (1996-2000), we had fights that occurred on campus between students, but the overall assumption was that any issues regarding roommates, other classmates, professors, etc. could be resolved in a dignified and mature fashion.

I cringe at how quick students are to start with eye-rolling, lip-smacking, and aggressive attitudes when presented with some form of conflict. What's even MORE scary, is that I see this as a FIRST line of defense in the middle-school students I teach as well, particularly the young ladies. There are so many problems this can be attributed to. Of course, we have to start at home. What are parents doing that these kids are emulating? Clearly, a 6th/7th grade girl is emulating some female in her life when doing this. Next, what are we allowing our kids to watch on tv, listen to on the radio, that encourages this type of confrontational behavior? While I'm not a parent, I DO remember how my mother made sure that she always personified the person she wanted me to be. This included how she handled problems with family, friends, co-workers, and more.

I don't know too many people who never had an issue with a roommate in college. It's a part of the process. But it's something you LAUGH about later on. "Look at how stupid and young we were!!!" In a worst-case scenario, you asked that one of you switch rooms. Maybe some things were thrown on the floor, etc. and a screaming match ensued, but never once did we think to physically attack anyone else.


What are we teaching our children regarding conflict resolution? How are we showing our young people that it's ok to fight, attack, and kill? These aren't things we should have to teach teens. This is one of those "everything I need to know I learned in kindergarten" type of incidents. Don't hit people. Don't fight. Treat people the way you want to be treated. When did that become something of the past? And how do we get it back?

Now, we have 2 lives that are cut short in this incident. An 18-year old DC student's life ended last night, at the hands of her 19-year old roommate. These girls hadn't reached 20! Now, a 19-year old student's life has virtually ended, as she's charged with murder. Two girls who were brought to college by their families, not even 1 month ago, expected to learn, graduate from college, and go on to do great things with their lives. Now two lives forever ruined, and two families forever changed as a result.

In the words of Dap (from Spike Lee's "School Daze")..."WAAAAAAAKEEEE UUUUUUUUUUUP!"

Computer Science for Middle School Students???

This is my 6th year as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Systems and Computer Science at Howard University. We have a great relationship with Google, and we also house a public charter middle school on campus (The Howard University Middle School of Math and Science).

One of the new and exciting initiatives we have partnered with both Google and the middle school to create was a year-long computer science curriculum for 6th-8th grade students. This program is called the Partnership for Early Engagement in Computer Science (PEECS). PEECS is exciting not only because of the tremendous partnership we've formed, but also the curriculum we've developed.

I neglected to mention that the middle school (also known as MS2) is approximately 97% African-American and 3% Hispanic. In computer science (and STEM in general), these are two minority groups that are GROSSLY underrepresented. Part of the reason is lower performance in math and science courses at any earlier age, that extends through high school and their interests in these subjects. The other reason is lack of exposure to these disciplines. As a result, these students are not prepared to pursue the necessary high-school courses to prepare them for college studies in computer science.

Another major problem with African-American and Hispanic student interests in computer science is they don't feel like this is an area that they readily see themselves in. Think about it. How many African-American or Hispanic computer scientists do you know, or can name? Instead, the field is viewed as White and Asian male-dominated field.

PEECS is designed to change this. First, by working with Google, we are leveraging a program they developed called CAPE, which was designed to expose rising 9th graders to computer science through engaging activities throughout a 4-week summer. PEECS is bridging the engagement with curriculum. Not only are we teaching CS, but we are also doing it through hands-on activities and experiences that students can relate to and understand. One of the most important components of PEECS is that we created a culturally-relevant curriculum to teach students computer science.

Through this culturally-relevant curriculum, we hope to help students not only better understand computer science fundamentals (problem-solving, logic, programming, networking, Internet design, mobile application development, and robotics), but also show them how CS is already a part of their daily lives.

We officially kicked off the program last week with 120 6th-8th grade students in 6 classes. We have two CS faculty (myself and department chair Dr. Legand Burge), two undergraduate and two graduate CS students. We had a few technical difficulties, due to firewall issues, but have now resolved those, and are completing the assessments this week. Stay tuned for an exciting journey called PEECS!!

True Blood, College Prep, and 9/11

Tonight I finally decided to create my new blog. Trying to accomplish this while watching the season finale of "True Blood" isn't that easy though. In addition, I've spent all weekend watching various documentaries and specials on 9/11. So suffice it to say that I'm emotionally all over the place right now. As separate as all these events are, somehow, they actually work together tonight.

I was beginning my second year of graduate school in NC 10 years ago today. I'd been up until about 3am studying for class, and slept in that morning of September 11. When I awoke, I had a number of missed calls from my mom. I checked the voicemail to hear that two planes had hit the World Trade Center. By the time I turned the TV on, a third plane had just hit the Pentagon. I remember taking a second to register what was actually happening, then quickly beginning to call my friends in DC and NY.

I'm fortunate that I didn't lose any friends or family in the devastation of 9/11. But watching all of these specials this weekend has left me in an emotional place. You see, I live only a few minutes from the Pentagon now. I can only imagine the fear that so many people around me felt on that day, and I ache for them on this and every day since.

So what does this have to do with True Blood or college prep you ask? I've been a fan of TB since it's first season. Too bad this wasn't around when I was in high school or college. The entire show is a lesson on tolerance and acceptance. People fear what they don't understand, or what is "different." However, just like Antonia said tonight, "everyone has their place in this world, even vampires." EVERYONE has their place. We must learn to accept different races, ethnicities, cultures, and (even) opinions.

One of the best ways to begin this tolerance and acceptance is to educate ourselves. Education is the path to a better life for one's self and community. With this education comes not only the things we learn in books, but also the things we learn in life. Teach your students that acceptance is an expectation, not an option. Encourage diversity and individuality, so that children learn to appreciate their uniqueness in the world and become leaders for change and not followers of hate. That's what 9/11 and TB have helped us to better understand. The world IS different, filled with people of various beliefs, religions, practices, and more. It's not our place to decide who is right or better. It is our place to accept and appreciate ALL for their unique contribution to this world we live in. Everyone has their place in the world. When you know better you do better.

Until next time!