The Monticello My Brother’s Keeper program invites the community’s adults and students in grades 6-12 to a FREE day filled with speakers, workshops and breakout sessions that will inspire and empower you to succeed.
Date: Saturday, July 13
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: Monticello High School, 39 Breakey Ave. Monticello, NY 12701
RSVP Requested
Come enjoy this awesome event filled with speakers, opportunities to engage in thoughtful and interactive sessions including dialogue with former MCSD students. Free breakfast and lunch will be served; lunch provided by Wayne Wright Time to Eat Catering.
Sessions include:
For adults:
- How to effectively advocate for students
- Parent school partnership
- College application and support program enrollment
For students:
- Building your brand
- Responsible decision making
- Developing exceptional communication skills
Meet Our Presenters:
Keynote:
Gwen Webber-McLeod
We Are In This Together. We Need Each Other to Survive. Public School Data increasingly indicates students are struggling academically. Public schools, students, parents, faculty and staff all play important roles in ensuring student success. Often these efforts happen in silos. Gwen Webber-McLeod believes a collaborative approach to student success is required to confront academic and societal challenges that are obstacles to students performing well in school. It is imperative for students to experience a sense of belonging, believe they are academically capable and are guaranteed physical and psychological safety in and outside of the classroom. Gwen uses the idea that “we are in this together and need each other to survive” to make the case for increasingly collaborative approaches to working with students.
Speakers:
Gary Guy, Director of Transportation
As Director of Transportation for a public transit authority, my role is multifaceted and demanding. In my session (Responsible Decision-Making), I’ll share insights drawn from my experiences and knowledge. One aspect I’ll delve into is my journey through education and career advancement. Despite facing challenges such as becoming a parent while still in college, I will share how I managed to navigate through by carefully weighing my options and making responsible decisions.
Marsha Senior, Director of HEOP at Syracuse University
Ms. Senior is an accomplished professional in higher education administration and brings over thirty years of experience to the table, with a strong focus on student support and administrative services. She is the Director of Student Administrative Services and the Higher Education Opportunity Program in the College of Professional Studies at Syracuse University. Ms. Senior is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for students to thrive academically and personally.
Itzel Inniss, School Social Worker LCSW
Since 2001, I’ve been a dedicated School Social Worker within the New York City School system, weaving through its vibrant tapestry to support students and families alike. Rooted in Afro-Latino and Caribbean heritage, I embrace the richness of my culture, infusing empathy into every interaction, while celebrating triumphs and addressing challenges with understanding. I will be supporting families in strategies to effectively advocate for their student(s).
Howard Jones, Teacher
As a teacher for over 6 years, I will support students in understanding the power of effective communication. How does the lack of language affect the way we operate in the world? Communication is how we navigate every circumstance in our lives. Henry Ford famously said, “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t–you’re right.” It is not only the words that we say aloud that shape us, but what we say to ourselves. “The power of Words” workshop addresses how we see ourselves as people, students, professionals, through the words we say to ourselves.
Eva Williams, Director of Retention at SCSD
Eva Williams is the director of recruitment and retention for the Syracuse City School District. Prior to that role she was an elementary principal for a number of years and selected as NYS’ Principal of the year in 2021. Although Eva has an extensive history of successful leadership in education she prides herself on her ability to partner with families and communities. During her session she will talk about the strategies she used to support community engagement and build a community of support for students inside and outside of school.
Cory Lee, Entrepreneur
Cory Lee is a Brooklyn native and aficionado of the borough’s music, art, and culture. Lee started his career by creating “Just Beats DVD”. He later launched “America’s Next top Music Producer” competition in 2010 providing a platform for DJs, beatmakers, and producers in Boston, Los Angeles, and New York. Lee has also shared his talents in Nairobi, and Kenya, providing them with a national and international perspective on music and culture. In 2017 he launched Brooklyn Music Week, a five-day extravaganza with live performances, an art expo, fashion show, and other festivities celebrating Brooklyn’s robust cultural influence. The clothing-line, Skool Milk, started out as the ‘merch’ for this festival and quickly grew in popularity and soon became a standalone brand. During my session I will help students think through what it means to be and build a brand. They will also have an opportunity to enter a competition for the creation of the new MBK logo.