March 5, 2:00pm - 5:00pm Alternatives
to Violence Month Women's History Month Relationship Abuse - Signs and forms of Abuse in relationships.Introduction
to Women's History month: Women to discuss throughout the month: Queen Liliouokalani, Josephine Baker, Sylvia Rexach, Celia
Cruz, Iyanla Vanzant, Zora Neale Hurston etc. Update:
This week's group was outstanding as the students/mentors excelled in creating improvisational scenarios based on healthy/abusive
relationships. We shared many laughs during our freestyle session and provided insight and support during the discussions on
relationship abuse. We look forward to more performances from W.I.S.E. Youth as they displayed great acting potential
and star quality during the WWW exercise.
March 12, 2:00pm - 5:00pm Self-Inflicted
Violence/ Gangs and Street Violence. S.O.D.A.Project (Survivors of Domestic Abuse)
Woman of the Week: Zora Neale Hurston (Discussion of Their Eyes Were Watching
God that aired Mar. 6 on A.B.C.) (Postponed until
3/19)
March 19, 2:00pm - 5:00pm Topics from last week. Kaylee's birthday celebration
and W.I.S.E. Youth of the Month.Update: This afternoon, we spoke about
Josephine Baker, Oprah Winfrey and Celia Cruz as inspiring women in history who broke barriers in society and
in mainstream entertainment. We also discussed the roots of violence and issues behind cutting(self-mutilation) and how
common it is amongst male and female adolescents. Monologue style acting was taught as a self-awareness exercise style
and students worked on and created improvisational speeches about fear. Kaylee turned 17 on March 15 so we cut a cheesescake
in her honor. She also accepted the award for W.I.S.E. Youth of the month for her perfect attendance, creative input and special tasks
completed throughout the month.
March 26, 2:00pm - 5:00pm Cancelled
due to Easter holiday. Special fun next week!! (Field trip)
April 2005
April 2, 2:00pm - 5:00pm Cancelled
due to weather.
April 9, 2:00pm - 5:00pm Movie
Day Discussion (Alternate Group and Recreation Days)
April 16, 2:00pm - 5:00pm Cancelled
due to Hispanic Task Force Conference in Albany, N.Y.
April 23, 2:00pm - 5:00pm W.I.S.E Youth
meeting
April 30, 2:00pm - 5:00pm W.I.S.E.Youth
meeting
The month of May concentrated on Teen Health issues as we
discussed Tolerance and Human Rights. We learned how cultural factors as well as other beliefs contribute to the stereotypes
that we often possess. In an effort to clear up certain stereotypes, we viewed videos and discussed ways to manage misconceptions
of others. We played a game that labeled and explored common myths about certain cultures by acting the "role"
and sharing insight to the ways in which we represented their ethnic characteristics. We also played a very effective
game (SCAR) in which the students were presented scenarios that were uncomfortable and confronting and asked to recreate the
circumstances. (ex. unwanted sexual advancements, being followed while shopping, friends backstabbing etc. ) As
they tried individually to manage the situation they were challenged to be calm, polite and as effective as
possible in their communication. If innapropriate, rude or argumentative, a reinforcement bell would ring and
they were redirected where improvement was necessary. The students learned to label the key points that trigger negative responses
when trying to convey messages or gear someone to resolve a problem/situation and confront lovingly. We will continue to play
Stop Conflict and Resolve (SCAR) as the semester continues.
Dates
to know- June 11- Puerto Rican Day Festival W.I.S.E. Youth will attend.
For summer semester 2 group
sessions a month, 2 recs a month. Group sessions will consist of rehearsal for Summer Production. Rehearsals will increase
during the weekdays in the month of August.
Summer of Fine Arts.
The Summer Session will focus on the expression of the fine arts and the role that
creativity plays in lives. They will explore the fine arts through 4 basic genres- Drama, Music, Writing and Dance. They will
practice the art of performance by studying acting techniques, improvisational exercises and character development. At the
conclusion of the semester, W.I.S.E. Youth will perform for family, friends and community in an effort to raise funds for
the future of W.I.S. E. Youth. Stay tuned for more information on production dates.
June- Skill Development (Performance Standards and Anxiety) Acting Workshop,
Assessment, Idea Development, Recruitment.
July- Brainstorm, Final Scripts,Rehearsal, Promotion
August- Final Prep, Performance
Fine Arts Extravaganza
Sitcom Pilot
4 Act Play
Poetry Slam
Choreographed Dance Performance (Musical)
