For MASSPTA

MAN STIFF-ARMS THE NFL, BECOMES GREAT AFRICAN AMERICAN BIBLIOPHILE
As an African American child growing up in the 1940s, Charles Blockson was told by a white teacher that black people had made no contributions to history, reports the Associated Press. Even as a fourth grader, Blockson knew better. So -- as any intrepid youngster would do -- he proved her wrong by accumulating pieces of African American history (like "Up from Slavery" by Booker T. Washington and a biography of George Washington Carver). As Blockson grew older, his searches led to more rarefied shops. He recalls bookstores where he hid volumes he couldn't afford in hopes they would be there when he saved up the money. Today, the Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection at Temple University contains more than 30,000 historical items, some dating all the way back to the 16th century. Scholars are quick to note how lucky they are that Blockson began collecting when he did, as many items he accumulated might not be available now, or, if so, would be prohibitively expensive. It sure turned out to be a great decision turning down the New York football Giants.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id /23305763/

MAKING SURE CHILDREN KNOW THEIR HISTORY
Those who have no knowledge of history miss out on the inspiration that comes from the past, writes Marian Wright Edelman for the Children's Defense Fund. These sentiments echo that of Dr. Carter Woodson, who founded Negro History Week in 1926 to give inspiration to other African Americans. Dr. Woodson saw the week as vital to ensuring everyone knew the great African American achievements because many people, including some African American history professors, couldn't name the myriad of contributions that community had made to history. Wright Edelman writes the list of great African Americans is numerous and children should learn their stories and be given the tools and motivation to emulate their actions. In addition, children should be taught as much as possible about the heroes in their own families. This is so important because family stories often provide the most memorable inspiration of all, as they bring history alive and reinforce the idea that anyone can make a difference. When looking back at historical accomplishments, people must be reminded of how much unfinished business there is and thus be motivated to write the next chapter.
http://www.childrensdefense .org/site/MessageViewer?em_id =7161.0&dlv_id=10021&JServSessi onIdr004=nthwpjj695.app13a

A forum sponsored by the

Massachusetts Public Health Association's
Environmental and Occupational Health Section

Thursday, March 13, 2008
6:00 - 8:00 pm

Cambridge Health Department
119 Windsor Street (2nd floor), Cambridge
(accessible from Central Square "T" stop
click here for map )

Join us for a discussion of policies and programs for
safe air in our schools, homes, and other buildings

Featured Speakers
Bruce Tretter, Westborough School Committee
 Margaret Reid, Boston Public Health Commission
and Boston Urban Asthma Coalition

Free and open to the public

For more information, please contact
Eric Weltman at MPHA: 617-524-6696, ext. 111;
eweltman@mphaweb.org

www.mphaweb.org

Give Massachusetts Children a Happy Valentine's Day,  2008
Pass the Safer Alternatives to Toxic Chemicals bill.

Ellie Goldberg, Newton, MA -- Published in the Newton Tab, 02 13 08

I am writing to thank Senator Cynthia Creem for her leadership in co-sponsoring S-2481 An Act Providing for Safer Alternatives to Toxic Chemicals which recently passed the Massachusetts Senate. Now this important bill moves to the Massachusetts House. 

I also thank bill co-sponsors Newton Representatives Ruth Balser, Kay Kahn, and Peter Koutoujian for their leadership and ongoing commitment.  I urge them to maintain their support and to urge their colleagues to pass a strong bill.  

The Safer Alternatives Bill will require evaluation of designated "Priority Toxic Chemicals" which are used in Massachusetts and are linked to chronic illnesses, and then mandate safer alternatives to these chemicals where feasible. The bill would also help Massachusetts expand trade with foreign markets that have recently tightened toxic chemical standards such as the European Union.   Most important, the Safer Alternatives bill would create a program to protect children from toxic chemicals -- environmental hazards that sabotage their health and development and cost millions of health and education dollars to treat or compensate for acquired illnesses and disabilities.

More information is online at www.healthytomorrow.org.

Tonight,February 14, on the Colbert Report, CCFC's Susan Linn will be featured in a segment called "Who's Ruining America?" about our McDonald's report card campaign.  Please tune in and let friends and family know!  The show airs at 11:30 PM (10:30 Central) on Comedy Central and is rerun throughout the day tomorrow, February 15.  It will also be available on the Colbert Report website ( http://www.comedycentral.com /shows/the_colbert_report /index.jhtml) tomorrow.


The Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood
www.commercialfreechildhood .org

Hundreds of students from Boston, Somerville and other urban communities came to the State House today.  Parents and other education activists also spilled out of the hearing room which was not large enough to hold the crowd.
The attendees surprised the Governor's office when they came en masse to deliver post cards with our message:

"State standardized tests should not be a barrier to graduation for students who can demonstrate they have met the state standards in other ways. Students are suffering from the unintended consequences of MCAS. We must reduce the weight of MCAS and use a range of evidence to determine graduation, as has been done successfully in other states."

"Lobbyists" then fanned out and met with legislators.

Teen Empowerment held a news conference and distributed their publication Voices of Children Left Behind in Massachusetts Public Schools.
 
If you were unable to attend this event you can still participate in our Virtual Lobby day.  Telephone and email scripts are on the MTA website.

We are asking our legislators and Governor Patrick to ensure high quality education by reforming MCAS now. Our message to the Governor and to Legislators:

 Virtual lobbying:  Call and Email the Governor, your Representative and your Senator on February 13, or the week of February 11-18 and ask for their support of MCAS Reform.

Governor's Phone #: 617-725-4005
State House Phone #: 617-722-2000.

Governor's email: Go to www.mass.gov. Click on "contact the Governor' office" and you will be directed to an email form. Legislators' email, go to: www.mass.gov/legis/ and click on House or Senate or go to www.Massteacher.org and click on MCAS Reform depends on you.
Sponsored by Citizens for Public Schools. For more information, contact Marilyn Segal at marilyn@citizensforpublicschools.org or 617-227-3000.

SAVE OUR STUDENTS: MCAS REFORM NOW

 

Wednesday, February 13

10:30 am in Room 350

State House, Boston

 

We ask our legislators and Governor Patrick to ensure high quality education by reforming MCAS now. Our message to the Governor and to Legislators:

"State standardized tests should not be a barrier to graduation for students who can demonstrate they have met the state standards in other ways. Students are suffering from the unintended consequences of MCAS. We must reduce the weight of MCAS and use a range of evidence to determine graduation, as has been done successfully in other states."

Here are the ways you can participate in the Lobby Day:

  1.  Join us at the State House on February 13.   If possible, please make appointments with your Representative and Senator to meet with them on February 13 (11:30 am or after).  Appointments can be made now, and let us know if you would like assistance in making appointments. Even if you can't make appointments before, please come anyway and we will direct you to your legislators' offices.

2.  Call and Email the Governor, your Representative and your Senator on February 13, or the week of February 11-18 and ask for their support of MCAS Reform.

Governor's Phone #: 617-725-4005 State House Phone #: 617-722-2000.

Governor's email: Go to www.mass.gov . Click on "contact the Governor's office" and you will be directed to an email form. Legislators' email, go to: www.mass.gov/legis/ and click on House or Senate or go to www.Massteacher.org and click on MCAS Reform depends on you.

Sponsored by Citizens for Public Schools. For more information, contact Marilyn Segal at marilyn@citizensforpublicschool s.org  or 617-227-3000.