Education: EL Principal charges Jamaican teachers to change

From the moment his extensive bio was being read out, one got the sense that an oratory treat was in store.

And veteran school principal and edication activist" Salome Thomas El did not disappoint as he helped open the JN Foundation's School leadership Summit at the Pegasus in Kingston.

From catch phrases (the revolution will not be televised"; if they act up you got back up") to heartfelt anecdotes, El laid down the law and the challenge to educators to adapt and get children ahead in an increasingly media-heavy yet factless world

The change, he reiterated, has to begin from within, telling his own story as a single-parent raised child of the projects who succeeded from positive modelling

 in a “Every child needs someone to be crazy about them.” These are the words of Salome Thomas-EL, award-winning teacher and principal, and nationally recognized educator. They shape his life-long commitment to answering the question, “How do we ensure that every child achieves their greatest potential?” This question lies at the heart of the national dialogue on education policy, the day in and day out work of school personnel, and the hopes of every parent. Central to this challenge is how we succeed with children who are facing the most serious barriers to success: poverty, violence, neglect, and low expectations.

For over 20 years, Principal EL has taken on this challenge with the absolute belief that every child can and will learn as long as adults in their world care enough to not give up. Starting as a teacher and chess coach at Vaux Middle School and through his years as principal at several traditional public and charter schools, Thomas-EL has transformed the attitudes and strategies of school staff, parents, and members of the community to help hundreds of troubled children not only graduate from high school but go on to earn higher degrees from major colleges and universities. He brings to the process a powerful combination of passion, caring, and leadership to craft a refreshing, common-sense roadmap to help kids achieve their dreams, no matter the odds.

Salome Thomas-EL lives in Delaware County with his wife and two young daughters. He has been a teacher and principal in Philadelphia, PA and Wilmington, DE since 1987. Salome is currently the Head of School at Thomas Edison Charter School in Wilmington. Principal EL received national acclaim as a teacher and chess coach at Vaux Middle School, where his students have gone on to win world recognition as Eight-Time National Chess Champions. Principal EL was a regular contributor on the first season of “The Dr. Oz Show” and the author of the best-selling books, I Choose to Stay, about his Vaux Middle School experience, and The Immortality of Influence (Foreword by Will Smith), which stresses the importance of leadership, mentoring, parenting and service to others. The Walt Disney Company optioned the movie rights to I Choose to Stay. Thomas-EL speaks to groups around the world and frequently appears on C-SPAN, CNN, and NPR Radio. He has studied in Cambridge and London, England and is currently a doctoral candidate. He has received the Marcus A. Foster Award as the outstanding School District Administrator in Philadelphia and the University of Pennsylvania’s distinguished Martin Luther King Award. Educational Leadership and Reader’s Digest Magazine recognized Principal EL as an “Inspiring American Icon”. Principal EL has also appeared on “The Oprah Radio Network”.

Music: Tranquil rides the smooth waves

At an early age Vivian Thomas, Ian as he is popularly called (right), developed a love for music.

Growing up in the central community of Kendal, Manchester, the community became his audience, backed by his father's sound system and rivals in the form of his uncles. They would take turns on the microphone free styling and building rhythms.

His early performances includes  schools and community concerts and his most recent appearance on TVJ Smile Jamaica (Roll out) where he was given 10/10 by the judges placing him first. He eventually adopted the stage name Tranquil, a symbol of his calm, generally unruffled demeanour.

Tranquil says his mission is to create music for all age groups to enjoy while spreading a message of equal opportunity and positivism.  The 27 year old singer/songwriter who also holds a Bachelor’s degree,  believes in upliftment through education. He currently balances his burgeoning entertainment career with work as a financial professional.

His first hit recording, "Beg Yuh A Buss" was recorded in 2015 . Since then, his passion and drive to fill every home with his music escalated. Tranquil continues to write and produce reggae music with positive messages and an infectious beat. The first release from Tranquil Productions, "Crazy Love", features international artist Wild Wassi and Jamaican up-and-comer Artiste Desire.

Tranquil

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Twitter:@ditranquil1

Music: Crosby and his "Warriors" for Parliamentary award

artistic director Gary Crosby OBE and bandTomorrow’s Warriors have been nominated for the Jazz Education Award in this year’s Parliamentary Jazz Awards  in the UK for the highly acclaimed programme Gary founded almost two and a half decades ago, which continues to go from strength to strength. According to the All Party Parliamentary Jazz Appreciation Group (APPJAG) and sponsors PPL and JazzUK, the award is given to an educator or project for raising the standard of jazz education in the UK.

You may recall that Gary won the award in 2012, but this is the first time Tomorrow’s Warriors has been specifically mentioned in the nomination. Other nominees for this award are Dr Tommy Smith and Jamil Sheriff/Leeds College of Music. Massive congrats to all the nominees but especially to Gary and all of our Learning & Participation Team at Tomorrow’s Warriors!

As if this weren’t enough, following hot on the heels of the nominations for the JazzFM Awards in which five acts – made up of 12 Tomorrow’s Warriors alumni – feature, we’re delighted now to share news of our alumni nominations in the Parlies:  Eska (Jazz Vocalist of the Year), Empirical (Jazz Ensemble of the Year), and Binker & Moses andTheon Cross (Jazz Newcomer of the Year).

And to put a mega-smile on our faces, ‘our bredrin dem’ atJazz Re:freshed at Mau Mau, London have been nominated for Jazz Venue of the Year.

Congratulations to all the nominees! We look forward to seeing all of them at the House of Commons on 10 May to find out whose names will be engraved on the Parliesplaques!