Ask For More 2.0
AFMJ is the convening partner for the professional learning community and provides professional development opportunities in the Lanier Feeder Pattern and community engagement opportunities district wide. The work of Ask For More has been highlighted in JPS as a model for other feeder patterns and featured on the Kellogg Foundation’s website. The Ask for More initiative provide professional development for teachers in the Lanier feeder Pattern to help them to master the art of teaching and learning. The sessions were conducted by consultants and also teacher to teacher modeling. “Saturday School is Cool” extended learning opportunities were provided for the promising 25% students in grades 3-5 in the feeder pattern.
Parent Engagement
AFMJ engages parents to become active participants in their children’s schools and develops parents’ skills as change agents. In the pilot model, PTLS (Parents Teaming for Literacy Success) in the Lanier Feeder pattern, parents receive literacy strategies and resources to support learning at home. Cultural/ Climate Learning Walks are conducted in schools across the Jackson Public Schools District. Parents across the district are invited to participate in these learning walks to evaluate the external/internal environment, safety, teaching and learning, and relationships. Pre and post learning walks are conducted.
Ask For More Arts Initiative
Ask For More Arts provides artist residencies in schools and professional development for teachers, administrators, and artists. The culminating AFMA exhibit is seen by families and the community. AFMA collaborates with the Jackson State University Art Department, JSU student artists, and local teaching artists to provide colleges students with opportunities to partner with teachers in nine (9) schools across the district to integrate arts in the classrooms.
Lunch Bunch Community Forums
AFMJ hosts a monthly Lunch Bunch conversation on relevant and timely topics featuring community partners and local leaders including State Superintendent Dr. Carey Wright, JPS Superintendent Dr. Errick Greene, Rhea Bishop, Executive Director for Kellogg, Get 2 College, and other community organizations and leaders. Lunch Bunch is filmed by ITV and shown on their TV station as well as the JPS YouTube Channel. We recognize Outstanding Educators in September and CLAP (Citizenship, Leadership, Academic Progress) high school seniors in April.
E3 Internship Program
The E3 (Engage, Educate, Employ) summer internship program provides paid internships for students with opportunities to develop their skills in collaboration, communications, problem-solving, and leadership. Under the guidance of internship mentors, students create personal opportunity plans to chart their paths for future success in life.