THE ROADRUNNER CHRONICLES

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THE ROADRUNNER CHRONICLES
WINTER 2019 ISSUE

THE ROADRUNNER
  CHRONICLES
                   C h i l d r e n          o f     P r o m i s e       S c h o o l s

Swinging into the (Genesis)
                                                                      INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Open
Every year in February since 1926, Los Angeles has been home          Putting With The Pros - p2
to the Genesis Open – a professional golf tournament on the           Yoobi Gives - p3
PGA Tour. This year, the Leroy Bates Golf Foundation in               Chess Champions - p4
collaboration with the Tiger Woods Foundation invited COPPA’s         Hands-on With Cedar-Sinai - p5
golf team to witness firsthand true greatness on the green.           Clippers & International Woman's
Students had their day packed full of fun activities at the Genesis
                                                                      Day - p5
Open including participating in science projects in the STEM
                                                                      Thank You, Valued Partners! - p6
center, perfecting their technique on mini putting greens, meeting
                                                                      Guitar Center Foundation, You
LA Rams cheerleaders, and, of course, watching the golf pros.
                                                                      Rock! - p7
Upon arrival, the kids were greeted with special Genesis Open         National Speech & Debate
hats and even had them signed by professional golfers Kevin Na,       Competition, Here We Come! - p8
Michael Block, and Bill Haas. They wrapped up the day with a          Classroom Without Walls - p8
Youth Golf Clinic and a demonstration by golf tricksters Josh         Setting The Early-Ed Bar - p9
Kelley and Tania Tare, who were excited to take pictures with the     I Am Your Future! - p10
kids and sign autographs. COPPA’s golf students left feeling          Coming Soon To COPPA! - p10
grateful, and with a better appreciation of the game of golf and
                                                                      Parent Resources - p11
the opportunities it can bring.
                                                                      Calendar of Events - p11
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                                                WINTER 2019 ISSUE

    Putting With The Pros!
    The Genesis Open wasn’t the only PGA-sponsored
    event that COPPA golf students were invited to
    attend. Just days before, the students attended an
    exclusive PGA Golf Clinic at the Compton Par 3 Golf
    Course. At this event pro golfers Cameron Champ
    and Tony Finau, World Long Drive Champion Troy Mullins, rapper and golf newcomer Schoolboy Q, and Tiger Wood’s
    former coach Sean Foley took to the green to teach the lucky students a thing or two about the game of golf.

    The students began the clinic by practicing their putting technique in groups, followed by a question and answer
    session, and ended with one-on-one coaching from the pros. Oh, and don’t forget the swag bags they received which
    included golf balls, Nike hats and backpacks, golf clubs, and Beats by Dre headphones.

    During the Q&A session, the students asked questions that mainly touched on
    social equity and where the golfers grew up. Tony Finau shared his personal
    troubles growing up in a neighborhood influenced by gangs and numerous
    temptations. In spite of his environment, Tony credits his parents and his
    upbringing for being the inspiration that helped him beat the odds and become a
    pro golfer.

    Cameron Champ was open about his experiences and struggles as a bi-racial
    man. He also credited the experiences of his grandfather - a black man living
    during a time when “white/colored only” drinking fountains existed didn’t allow
    segregation to prevent his grandfather from being interested in golf - as to what
    influenced and shaped him to the man he is today.
    The transparency in their stories showed the students that they have the power to rise above the odds and become
    successful regardless of their economic background or skin color.

    The golf course itself is significant and was a fitting place to hold the PGA Golf Clinic during Black History Month. For a
    while, Compton Par 3 was the only golf course African Americans could play on in the area. Seeing professional athletes
    of color, who have accomplished so much in the predominantly white game of golf, stand on that once segregated golf
    course served as a beacon of hope for our students.

About Coach Bates
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                                            WINTER 2019 ISSUE

Yoobie Gives!
COPPA is honored to be the recipient of YoobiGives. The Yoobi
“One for you, One for me” motto was highly visible when Yoobi
Angels Justin, Mariya, and Heidi delivered Yoobi school supplies
to all COPPA classrooms. Each student received a mixture of
classroom supplies including pencils, markers, folders, scissors,
and glue sticks.

Yoobi’s Chief Giving Officer Justin Wolff and two Yoobi employees
personally presented the box of supplies to Ms. Yerima’s third-
grade class and Ms. Smith’s fifth-grade class. Whether the school
supplies were presented by the teacher or by the Yoobi staff,
when the content of the box was revealed the expressions from
all the classrooms were unanimous; screaming and yelling could be heard down the halls, and each COPPA student
jumped for joy upon the unveiling.

As the students enjoyed their new classroom supplies, the Yoobi Angels also challenged the students to think
differently about what they aspire to be when they grow up. They asked the students not to think about a career that
earns money, but rather, to think about what kind of person they want to be when they grow up. The goal was to help
the young scholars understand that the type of person you will become will have a greater impact on others than the
highest level you can reach in your career.

                                             The Yoobi Angels also spent time interacting with the students in the
                                             classroom, listening to what kind of people they want to be and letting the
                                             students entertain them with stories and jokes. Amid it all, the Yoobi Angels
                                             were planning the grand surprise of the day, which was so top secret that only
                                             the angels and the students knew about it. Once the Angels Yoobified the
                                             classroom, they officially inducted Ms. Yerima and her class into the Yoobi
                                             Family and shared a gratitude letter with Ms. Yerima for her selfless dedication
                                             as a teacher. With a single hand gesture, the entire class rushed out of their
                                             chairs and ran to Ms. Yerima to give her a Yoobi Hug.

                                             COP Schools is proud to welcome our newest partner, Yoobi, to the COP
                                             family. It is the support of companies like
                                             Yoobi, that continue to help make a
difference in each child’s educational experience. Their mission, motto, and what
the company stands for aligns with our mission and the characteristics we hope
to instill in our students during their journey with us. When students are given all
the necessary tools they need to succeed, it is impossible for them to not achieve
their goal.

As Yoobi says, “It’s a good day to give,” and there are many ways that you can
give to help support our young scholars. Whether it is monetary, the gift of your
time, supplies, or equipment donations, your support matters to each one of our
students and their educational journey.
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Chess Champions
The Children of Promise Roadrunner Chess Team is still the leading chess
club in the City of Inglewood and the surrounding areas. In fact, the
Roadrunners are the only team from South Los Angeles County who will be
participating in the National Chess Championship.

Eight Roadrunners will compete in the Southern California Super States
Scholastic State Chess Championships in Valencia in March 2019. In addition,
COP schools will host its second annual Youth Chess Tournament on April 20,
2019.

Recently, the team competed at the 2019 National Junior Chess Congress in
Cypress, Calif. Collectively, the elementary school team placed second in the
non-rated section. The leading player among the second through fifth-graders
was Chibuiken, a second grader, who also won the sixth place individual
trophy.

In early February, Ethan placed second, as did Solomon in the rated section at
the 45th Annual Morrison Chess Tournament in Fullerton, Calfi. At the same
tournament, four students clinched trophies in the non-rated sections. Three of
our students were top winners: Ashley took first place, Ihechi took the trophy
for second place and Chinemerem placed third. The sweetest win of the day

                                    was third-grader Daniel, who placed third in his non-rated section. Just a few weeks
                                    prior to the event, Daniel felt discouraged and wanted to quit the team, but his
                                    parents encouraged him to stay. Now he has a trophy to place on his parent’s
                                    mantle.

                                    No matter what competitions they enter, the Roadrunner Chess Team continues to
                                    soar above some of the best competitors in the state of California. There isn’t a
                                    tournament that they have competed in without ranking or receiving awards. Whether
                                    placing first or sixth place, the Roadrunner Chess Team is producing winners and are
                                    becoming a force to reckon with.

                                    The COP Roadrunner Chess Team is not just a team collecting trophies and medals;
                                    they are students who display the benefits of chess academically and socially. The
                                    students are more attentive in class and are incorporating strategic thinking, not only
                                    in the classroom but in their social circles as well. One of the team’s top players was
                                    facing serious consequences from the school for behavior challenges. However, after
                                    joining the chess team, not only is he an A student now, he also has a few first place
                                    trophies to remind him of his abilities.

                                    Thanks to Mr. Mashaka, the team’s coach, the Roadrunner Chess Team is doing
                                    remarkable things in the classrooms and in the playing field.
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                                            WINTER 2019 ISSUE

Hands-on With Cedar-Sinai Hospital
A group of our middle school boys visited the Simulation Center at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, hosted by the Clippers
Mentorship Assist Zone Program. The students were able to perform a simulated laparoscopic surgery, perform CPR,
navigate medical robotic instruments, and other medical hands on activities. They were also treated to a
                                an amazing dinner while listening to guest speakers from the medical and administrative
                               professionals from Cedar-Sinai. It was an event that had a huge impact on our future
                               leaders and world changers!

Celebrating Black History Month & International
Woman's Day with the Clippers
We are honored to be a part of the Clippers Mentorship Assist Zone program. Their motto, “Together We Will,’ is the
driving force behind their belief that every kid needs inspiration, and that a little motivation goes a long way. Our
participating students were fortunate to gain a new village of supporters, while being exposed to future careers with a little
hands-on learning experience and being inspired by motivational talks from the mentors.

                                             In February, our COPPA young men participated in the Clippers Mentorship
                                             Assist Zone event at the California African American Museum. The student’s
                                             experienced a guided tour and expanded their knowledge learning about
                                             African-Americans culture. COPPA students, Preston and Angel had the
                                             opportunity to get on stage with the event’s guest speaker, author and historian
                                             Robert Lee Johnson and ask questions during the event. The experience of this
                                             event for our young men, as they say, is “unforgettable.”

                                             In celebration of International Women’s Day, the Clippers hosted “I Am Stronger

With Her” movie night at LA Live-Regal theater. Our young ladies were greeted
with the royal treatment before they took their seats to view Captain Marvel. Not
only did they receive gifts, they had quite the assortment of snacks for them to
munch on. Our Legacy Leadership middle-school girls were honored to be the
guest of such a remarkable event whose sole mission was to celebrate and
empower young ladies.

Thank You, Los Angeles Clippers Mentorship Assist Zone program for making our
student’s educational experience more memorable.
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                                          WINTER 2019 ISSUE

Thank You, Our Valued Partners!
It is the support of our valued partners that help give a continued heartbeat to many of our academic and
enrichment programs. Because of your generosity, the students of Children of Promise Schools are afforded an
educational experience that they will never forget. Thank you for helping us continue to develop tomorrow's leaders
today!

You can support COP Schools by giving online at www.childrenofpromiseschools.com or contact Ms. Lawson in our
Office of Advancement at tlawson@copschools.com
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                    WINTER 2019 ISSUE

Guitar Center Foundation,You Rock!
                       The COP Performing Arts Institute music program students were
                       surprised when they received brand new acoustic guitars from The
                       Guitar Center Foundation. As our music programs grows and
                       we’re introducing new instruments to our students, this donation
                       from the Guitar Center Foundation could not have happened at a
                       better time.

                       The acoustic guitars will be a part of the school’s ensemble that we
                       are currently establishing. Advance music students will learn how
                       to play the guitars twice a week during their music class and
                       continue to learn how to read and play sheet music. In addition,
                       there will be Saturday ensemble class for advance music students.
                       The students and music teachers are equally eager to start making
                       sweet music with their acoustic guitars.

                       In addition, the Guitar Center foundation also gave a gift in kind
                       donation of ten ukuleles, that we will incorporate into our music
                       program next year for the younger beginning music students.

                       We believe that music is an integral part of our students learning.
                       Critical thinking is required when learning to read music and
                       playing an instrument. The student’s in the music program
                       continue to display critical thinking in their academics and have
                       been consistently improving in their studies. This skill set not only
                       benefits the students academically, it is the one essential tool they
                       will need we they enter the real world.

                       The COP Education Foundation and the Children pf Promise
                       Schools would like to say Thank You, to the Guitar Center
                       Foundation and Mitchell Guitars for their generous donation. Our
                       music students can’t wait for you to hear them play!
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                                           WINTER 2019 ISSUE

National Speech & Debate Competition, Here
We Come!
Did you know about COPPA’s Speech & Debate program? With a mission to
engage students through speech and debate to become agents of change, Mr.
Drew, a COPPA partner, started the first Speech & Debate program at COPPA
during the 2016-2017 school year.

The goal of the program is to equip students from historically marginalized
communities with the knowledge and research, communication, and critical
thinking skills necessary to be a conduit of change, through the engagement of
speech and debate.

The Speech & Debate program is open to third and eighth grade students,
with practice held twice a week. During practice, students learn the importance of citing evidence to support claims
and conduct academic research to create compelling arguments. At tournaments, students are joined by other young
minds from different backgrounds and communities, which expose them to a wider range of thoughts and opinions.
Through the process of debate and their exposure to different ways of thinking, they learn the merits of effective
communication and argumentation, leadership, and collaboration.

The students’ hard work and success at prior speech and debate competitions has certainly paid off. Our students
have been invited to compete in the National Speech & Debate Tournament in Dallas, Texas in June.
Congratulations to Mr. Drew, our Assistant Principal, Dr. Brooks and the students of the Speech & Debate team!
Keep soaring to the top.

Classroom Without Walls
At COPPA, educational opportunities outside the four walls of a classroom are an integral part of the curriculum. We
believe that Exposure + Experience = Excellence! So, each year in addition to our regular field trips for every grade
level, we also include specialized study trips for grades fourth through eighth.

The fourth graders embark on a "hands-on" journey of learning about California and leadership on a study trip to
Sacramento and San Francisco. Our fifth-grade students participate in a nine-day field study trip starting in Virginia
and ending in Washington D.C. Our Legacy Leadership Institute sixth-graders explore the world of oceanography
during their Catalina Island excursion, while the seventh-graders explore San Diego's animal and marine life. The
                             eighth-grade graduating class gets a feel for college, and some even identify their future
                             alma mater during their East Coast college tour.

                             During these study trips, the students are busy on the move, blogging, photo journaling,
                             and posting on the web their experience while learning and growing. For many students,
                             this trip is the first outside of our community and the first time on an airplane.

                             Our "Classroom Without Walls" program is amazing and gives our students a chance to
                             dream beyond the four walls of a traditional classroom. These experiences are life-
                             changing and have an impact that is immeasurable. We thank the COP Schools
                             supporters, parents, and administration that work so hard to raise funds to help offset
                             costs and make these trips a reality!
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Setting The Bar For Early Education
Children of Promise (COP) Child Development Center is a fully licensed
center serving children birth to age five in a loving, nurturing and playful
environment that strives for excellent moral and academic achievements.

We educate our young scholars using the Tools of the Mind (TOTM)
curriculum. TOTM is a comprehensive curriculum integrating literacy, math,
social studies, and science. TOTM is play-based, which means the kids plan
out what game(s) they will play or what make-believe adventure they will go
on that day. The focus on play-planning helps to develop thinking, social-
emotional, self-control and high-level skills. This curriculum meets all State
and National Standards.

Our students are taught using activities that stimulate academic growth and
is based on each child's individualized style of learning. Tools of the Mind
benefits our students by developing areas of self-regulation that help them to
excel far greater in kindergarten than students from other programs. The
evidence is in our reading success rate, which shows that 94 % of our
students are reading by the end of their first semester of kindergarten.

The key to our success is that our program focuses on knowing the
strengths and areas of growth of each individual child so we can better
develop the child in every way they need: socially, emotionally,
academically, and physically.

Our little ones are the core and beginning of Children of Promise Schools.
We love and nurture them while teaching them to become happy,
successful, and strong leaders. Students enrolled in COP Child
Development Center are guaranteed future enrollment into COPPA Charter
School (K-8th grade) and we welcome them to the COP Schools Family
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                                               WINTER 2019 ISSUE

I Am Your Future!
By Jasmine - Student Guest Writer

Hello, my name is Jasmine. I was born on December 19th and I live in Inglewood,
California with my family. I live with my mom, my brother, my two aunts, my
cousins Louie and Kassandra, and my grandma. We also have Kassandra’s dog,
Chato.

I am a sixth grader at COPPA and have attended the school for two years. My
favorite subjects are science and math. I think science is interesting. I love
learning about how the body works, what are atoms, and how chemicals react to
each other. I like math because it is fun working out problems in a group with other
people. In the future, math will help me count my money, as well as, help me
calculate if I have enough of something to share with everyone.

I like to draw or think of something to build and try to build my idea. The two people I look up to, my mom and dad, are the
ones that inspire me the most. They inspire me to do better than them in life and to follow my dreams. I’m also amazed that
we do not know what is beyond our solar system. There could be other people or other species out there, but we really do
not know.

Here at COPPA, we are learning to become leaders in our classes, school, community and within ourselves. To be a leader
I must put “first things first.” This is Habit #3 ("The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" *). I put first things first by finishing
my most important work first and then doing whatever I want. This is helpful to me because it helps me keep track of my
work and assignments that I did and didn't do. The other habit I do is sharpen the saw. This is Habit #7. I sharpen the saw
by going to sleep on time and taking short breaks between assignments. This is helpful because it makes me refresh my
mind and makes me focus harder on what I’m doing. The habits have helped me by keeping me organized with my
assignments and school in general.

I want to attend MIT University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. It might be a little too much, but I believe that I CAN make it
into MIT. I think that my preferred major would be in Aerospace Engineering. I want to pursue a career in aeronautical space
engineer; I believe it would the best career for me. I am good at math, science, and I have great ideas that are awesome. I
am also good at building things and solving problems.

My name is Jasmine. I am a Leader. I am a Roadrunner. I am a Girl that Rocks. I am a future MIT Beaver. I am Your
Future!

*COPPA is a Certified Leader in Me School.

Coming Soon To COPPA!
   "Common Threads” Culinary Arts and Wellness program is coming to COPPA’s after-school program in mid-
   March. Their mission is to teach the students how to eat well and make healthier choices.
   WE Schools network empowers young people to get involved in social change and become global leaders. Our
   students will adopt a campaign to serve and learn how important it is to be active in the community they live in.
   “WE Day California” will be held at the Forum in Inglewood on April 25, 2019, and COPPA has been invited to go
   celebrate the service actions of all involved students.
   COPPA is honored to be the partner with Sharefest! Through this program, on May 4, 2019, the campus will be
   beautified, a mural will be painted and a fresh garden will be planted. Sign up at COPPA to volunteer to help.
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                                       THE ROADRUNNER CHRONICLES
                                            WINTER 2019 ISSUE

Parent Resources
The Positive Results Corporation is a non profit organization that addresses teen dating, domestic/intimate partner
violence, and sexual assault, in addition to bullying in youth, young adults, and communities of color. Their core focus
includes the following:
   Trauma & Abuse
   Healthy Relationships
   Positive Family Dynamics
   Engaging Men and Boys (to prevent violence & build healthy relationships)
   Leadership Development
   Provider and Professional Development
   Youth Peer Advocates Program
   Financial Empowerment

PRC strives to reduce the violence in our homes and communities, teach people to make positive decisions about their
lives and futures, reduce dropout rates, address unhealthy behavior, and develop employable young adults who create
“Positive Results” communities of their own that encourage a culture and legacy of anti-violence.

If you are in immediate need of the Positive Results Corporation’s services, please call Kandee Lewis at (323) 787-
9252. To learn more about PRC, please visit their website at www.prc123.org.

We are a village!

Calendar of Events
            MARCH                                        APRIL                                            MAY

11th - Pupil Free Day - No                  1st-5th - Parent-Student LED                   1st-22nd - CAASPP Testing
School                                      Conference
                                                                                           2nd: 2nd Annual COP Education
12th - Parent Information                   2nd - Student of the Month                     Foundation Friend-raiser
Meeting: Science & Mission Fair             Assembly                                       Reception
Exhibit
                                            8th-12th - Book Fair & Spirit                  6th-10th - Teacher
13th - Coffee w/ the Principal              Week                                           Appreciation Week

22nd - Career Day                           9th - Parent Information Meeting:              7th - Student of the Month
                                            Classroom without Walls Study                  Assembly
                                            Trip
                                                                                           27th - Memorial Day - No School
                                            10th - Coffee w/ the Principal

                                            15th-19th - Spring Break - No
                                            School

                                            22nd - Pupil Free Day - No
                                            School
THE ROADRUNNER CHRONICLES
                                         WINTER 2019 ISSUE

                                Our Mission Statement
To develop life-learning learners that are global and critical thinkers, lead by example and transform
                                           their communities.

                                         Our Schools
                  Developing Tomorrow’s Leaders Today, one Student At A Time!
                       COP Child Development Center: Infant - Pre-Kindergarten
                          COP Preparatory Academy: Kindergarten - 5th Grade
                             COP Legacy Leadership Institute 6th - 8th Grade

                            COP Schools Executive Staff
            Carleton Lincoln, Founder & CEO                       Jacqueline Jefferson, Principal
Trena Lawson, Associate Executive Director of Advancement        Alexandria Hilario, ELC Director
 Kennedy Hilario, Associate Executive Director of Schools        Kimberly Williams, CDC Director

                          Children of Promise Schools
       11161 Crenshaw Boulevard                                         VISIT US:
         Inglewood, CA 90303                                www.childrenofpromiseschools.com

             CALL US                                                   FOLLOW US:
     Main Campus: 424.750.9517                              Facebook: @childrenofpromiseschools
     West Campus: 310.677.3045                                       IG: @copschools

                       THE     ROADRUNNER CHRONICLES TEAM

                     Yvonne Jonas Edwards, Editor & Lead Writer
                       Alicia Yanez, Editor, Contributing Writer
                        Kimberly Williams, Contributing Writer
                       Dr. Richelle Brooks, Contributing Writer
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