Elinor Ross CDF Freedom School
FREEDOM SCHOOL CONTACTS
Dr. Janet Isbell, Executive Director
jisbell@tntech.edu
931-372-3824
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Dr. Amber Spears,
Project Director
aspears@tntech.edu
931-372-6265
2022 Schedule and Calendar
June 8 - July 15
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Monday, May 23 | 5 - 7pm
Family Night | Program Orientation
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Wednesday, June 8: Freedom School Starts
Friday, July 15: Closing Celebration at Noon
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Ross CDF Freedom School Daily Schedule
8:00-8:30 A.M. / Breakfast with Scholars and Staff
8:30-9:00 A.M. / "Harambee!"
What is “Harambee!”?
This is how we start each and every day! Harambee! is a Kiswahili word that means
“let’s pull together.” To ensure that every child has a fair start, the Children’s
Defense Fund Freedom Schools start the day with informal sharing when children, staff,
parents, and members of the community come together to celebrate themselves and others.
Components: Read Aloud / Motivational Songs / Cheers & Chants / Recognitions / Moment
of Silence / Announcements
9:00-10:30 A.M. / Integrated Reading Curriculum (IRC)*
Reading, Conflict Resolution, Social Action
10:30-10:45 A.M. / Morning Break
10:45-11:45 A.M. / Integrated Reading Curriculum (Part 2)*
11:45-12:00 P.M. / D.E.A.R. Time
Drop Everything and Read: a time everyone takes to enjoy reading a book of their choosing. Both children and adults select from the diverse Elinor Ross CDF Freedom School classroom libraries.
12:00-1:00 P.M. / Lunch with Scholars
1:00- 3:00 P.M. / Afternoon Activities
Each afternoon offers fun projects and activities - including art, music, theater, and fitness; plus experiences in science, technology, engineering, and math. The afternoon schedule also includes weekly field trips to several local and regional venues.
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Monday, May 23, 5 - 7pm
Family Night | Freedom School Orientation
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2022 Calendar: June & July
Details coming soon...
June |
July |
June 8 / FREEDOM SCHOOL STARTS June 13 Family Night / 3-5pm June 20 Family Night / 3-5pm |
July 1 Family Night / 3-5pm July 15 / FREEDOM SCHOOL CLOSING CELEBRATION AT NOON |
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*What is the Integrated Reading Curriculum (IRC)?
The IRC recognizes that fewer than 10% of children’s books published in the United States are about non-white children. Therefore, the Children's Defense Fund (CDF) brings together a group of outstanding authors and illustrators each year to select from a diverse body of children’s literature/books that celebrate and nurture multiple identities and cultures.
A distinguished group of historians and scholars reviews and recommends books used in CDF Freedom Schools to ensure that children read only those containing accurate narratives of history. Servant Leader Interns lead the children in reading several excellent children’s books throughout the summer. These books feature heroes, heroines, and settings that reflect the children’s own cultural images and histories.