Monarch Academy Annapolis hosted “I am… A Tribute Honoring the Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,” a virtual event celebrating King’s life, contributions and legacy. At the event, three creative presentations showcased King’s youth, activism, and dream for the nation.
At the event, Monarch Academy Annapolis student Life presented “I am Young Martin,” community member William Rowell presented “I am MLK, Civil Rights Activist,” and The Children’s Guild Alliance’s Director of Admissions Brandon Turner presented “I am MLK, The Dreamer.”
Monarch Academy Annapolis is open to students who reside in Anne Arundel County from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade.
Located at 2000 Capital Drive in Annapolis, Monarch Academy Annapolis is a primary performing visual arts school and follows the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme, which challenges students to think critically, and take responsibility for their learning as they explore local, and global issues.
Monarch Academy Annapolis, a public contract school with Anne Arundel County Public Schools, introduced Black History 365, a student extracurricular club that looks at the Black History 365 textbook presenting an inclusive account of American history, focusing on Black people, groups and cultures. Black History 365 meets virtually at no cost to students and will restart in January.
“Students walked away from the first session learning about ancient Africa along with the great kings and queens that ruled over vast kingdoms and empires,” said Lakisha and Woodly Thelusma, school parents and club organizers. “They were also introduced to many unique African animals, natural resources and the overall beauty of Africa; the enchantment and excitement seen in the eyes of the students communicate just how rich the experience has been for them.”
“Students must know their history,” the Thelusmas continued, “in order to shape their future just as the great Maya Angelou said, ‘You can’t really know where you are going, unless you know where you’ve been.’”
The Thelusmas are adapting the high school-level Black History 365 textbook for kindergarten and first grade students at Monarch Academy Annapolis. The club allows students to expand their cultural awareness, earn badges and advance to higher levels. School districts across the country, including Prince George’s County Public Schools, have adopted the Black History 365 curriculum.
“Monarch Academy Annapolis is so lucky to have Lakisha and Woodly Thelusma leading our Black History 365. They have stepped up to develop and implement an amazing club experience for our youngest learners,” said Kate McFaul, student support and club coordinator at Monarch Academy Annapolis. “We hope the parent partnership on this diversity project can pave the way for future projects that encourage empathy and understanding for diverse cultures.”
In addition, Monarch Academy Annapolis offers other extracurricular activities for students:
Mighty Milers club will help students stay active and learn health and wellness virtually this year. Monarch Academy Annapolis students join other students from Annapolis schools to participate in the club, led in partnership with Annapolis Recreation and Parks and United States Naval Academy midshipmen.
MESA (Mathematics, Engineering and Science Achievement) offers students a chance for the first time this year to participate in a national competition connected to Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory. Twenty students in third grade—with plans to add students in fourth and fifth grades in the future—will participate in the teacher-led program.
Monarch Academy Annapolis also offers clubs for students interested in music, books, chess and other topics as well.
“At Monarch Annapolis, we strive to provide our students with a wide variety of extracurricular experiences that enrich their thinking and learning, provide the opportunity to meet new friends and extend school beyond our classrooms,” said Rachel Amstutz, principal of Monarch Academy Annapolis. “We are excited to continuously expand our club repertoire and that even in the virtual environment we have been able to create many exciting opportunities. At this point this year, over 160 students are engaging in our clubs, and they are having a blast.”
We are collectively living through one of the most sweeping health crises in our history. This issue of Transformationshares how The Children’s Guild Alliance has relied on empathy and action to persevere during these challenging times.
The holidays are difficult for many of our families, especially this year. We introduce our Holiday Gift Catalog and invite you to help us spread joy with an array of gifts from school supplies and daily essentials to gift certificates or a special experience such as a trip to the beach.
We are thankful for the success of our virtual Kids First Celebration and congratulate our 2020 Sadie Award recipients Guy and Nupur Parekh Flynn. We also congratulate the recipients of our 2020 Monarch Award, the highest honor bestowed upon our staff. Their dedication has been truly inspirational during a year of unforeseen stress and change.
Our staff continue to amaze us with their creativity and commitment. From virtual pep rallies to flexible mental health services, we are educating and caring for the whole child. We also welcome new staff members hired to build a more inclusive school culture.
Learn how The Guild is making the most of grants and special funding to launch preschool programs in Annapolis and College Park. We have also received grants to fund our community-building efforts during distance learning and support our ongoing food distribution program in Annapolis.
This issue of Transformation highlights how The Guild has transformed its approach during COVID-19 to meet the needs of our students. As you read these stories, join us in celebrating learning, giving, and putting “kids first”.
Monarch Academy Annapolis, a public contract school with Anne Arundel County Public Schools, received a $50,000 grant from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development’s Maryland Nonprofit Recovery Initiative to fund healthy meal distributions free to school families and Annapolis residents. The school partners with the Maryland Food Bank and Bridge Church of Annapolis to provide meals.
As part of the effort and in recognition of Thanksgiving, Monarch Academy Annapolis and volunteers distributed 325 turkeys totaling 6,000 pounds to 295 families in Annapolis on Thursday, Nov. 19.
“Monarch Academy Annapolis values the whole child and looks beyond test scores,” said Rachel Amstutz, principal of Monarch Academy Annapolis. “This is evident in our individualized learning models, our mental health services for students and our efforts to ensure all students get healthy meals, have clean clothes to wear and are productive members of their communities.”
Monarch Academy Annapolis distributes about 250 meals per week. Meals include fresh produce and are funded through The Children’s Guild Alliance which includes monetary contributions from donors. They are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
“Fresh produce is especially important in food insecure areas and often hard for people to access, yet so important for good health,” said Kathy Lane, chief of educational services for The Children’s Guild Alliance, which operates Monarch Academy Annapolis. “During these challenging COVID-19 times, Monarch Academy Annapolis wants to ensure not just that our children are still learning but that they continue to be well fed.”
The grant source, the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development’s Maryland Nonprofit Recovery Initiative, received $50 million allocated by Gov. Larry Hogan to help nonprofit organizations with critical operations that have been financially affected by COVID-19 and Maryland’s state of emergency.
Monarch Academy Annapolis hosted “I am… A Tribute Honoring the Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,” a virtual event celebrating King’s life, contributions and legacy. At the event, three creative presentations showcased King’s youth, activism, and dream for the nation.
