Author: Kingdom Visionary Network

From September 5, 2024, to February 20, 2025, we held 37 group sessions, each lasting 30 minutes, totaling 18.5 hours. Six eighth graders completed the program.

During these six months we covered:

– Distractions from friendships and romantic relationships can hinder students’ academic goals

– The importance of assessments in academics, behavior, and personal development was examined

– Students completed a behavior checklist that assessed their actions at home, school, and in the community

– Each student filled out a “dream” worksheet, reflecting on their aspirations and the steps necessary to achieve them, along with a discussion about decision-making’s influence on those dreams

– The overarching goal of Proteential is to help students develop strong positive self-images and establish acceptable standards of conduct in school, life, and community settings by incorporating restorative practices and scenario-based learning (SBL) that teach the importance of reflection and consideration.

PROTEENTIAL: Teaching kids to think before they do

We wrapped up this year’s mentor program this Thursday!

Featured this pic is Delinda Herod from the Fairmont Community Partnership Group and my sister, Mayra Figueroa-Saucillo, the Partnership Coordinator.

A special thanks to Paul Leonard from the Fairmont Community Partnership Group and Betty Washington, whose efforts were crucial in organizing the program.

The boys celebrated their completion with Wing Stop, certificates, and a nice set of wireless earbuds.

After presenting “Bridging The Gap: A Guide for Parents to Boost Their Child’s Academic Success and Behavior” at the Valley View School District 36U Family Symposium, I had the pleasure of reconnecting with my JJC Brothers.

A special thanks to Jailen Jones for reminding me not to forget my tripod—your support means the world!

That would have been tragic (LOL!)

Salute to you, dear brother!

A special shoutout to Lockport Park District, Fairmont Community Center, Fairmont Community Partnership Group, and our talented young facilitators from Proteential.

We sharpened important skills like communication, teamwork, time management, cell phone etiquette, self-regulation and critical thinking.

Next Up: The Family Empowerment Symposium on Saturday, February 22, at Brooks Middle School in Bolingbrook!

We’re excited to announce that we’re putting the final touches on our upcoming workshop designed to shine a spotlight on the impactful contributions of Black historians and foster critical thinking about their role in shaping history.

Here’s what to expect:

Small Group Discussions : Participants will be divided into small groups encouraging collaboration and deeper engagement.

Watch and Learn: Each group will watch a short video and read an excerpt focusing on their assigned historian.

In-Depth Discussion: Groups will discuss the specific actions and decisions of the historian based on the materials provided.

Connect the Dots: Groups will work to match the historian’s behaviors with the relevant context and consequences, promoting a comprehensive understanding of their significance.

Bring your preteens and teens to this enlightening experience, and help us recognize the rich tapestry of history that often goes untold.

Date: February 15, 2025

Time: 11 AM – 3 PM

Location: Lockport Park District

Let’s celebrate the contributions of these remarkable individuals together!

Stay tuned for more details!

#BlackHistory#Historians#Education#Workshop#CriticalThinking#Proteential

Mr. Cage had an inspiring vision…

To create a unique educational experience that would engage children, though he wasn’t quite sure how to implement it. 

Shortly after, Brooks Middle School invited him to speak to a group of 160 seventh graders. During a staff meeting at the school, Mr. Cage proposed the idea of conducting an interactive training session instead of delivering a traditional lecture with a microphone. He believed that a hands-on approach would be more effective in capturing the students’ attention. Having worked in numerous middle and high schools, Mr. Cage had engaged in many one-on-one experiences with students. He believed that these interactions were valuable and could be transformed into relatable lessons that would teach kids the importance of thinking before acting.

This led to the launch of “Proteential” on October 10, 2023, at the University of St. Francis in Crest Hill, where 108 seventh-grade boys and staff members participated.

To support the mission of teaching kids to think before they act, order a Proteential or GOAT shirt while supplies last!

Text “PROTEENTIAL” to 773-599-1133.

Our upcoming grant writing class, titled “Get It Funded,” will take place from December 2, 2024, to March 3, 2025, every Monday from 7-9 PM CST.

In this course, we will explore the following topics:

Reasons for proposal rejections

Effective grant writing tips

Fundamentals of proposal writing

Common issues encountered in applications

The five essential components of a proposal

Types of foundations

Budgeting strategies

Business and program design and development

Additionally, we will engage in hands-on grant writing, working together step by step.

The course will be conducted through Google Classroom, and participants can expect assignments as part of the learning experience.

If you have any questions or feedback text your questions or feedback to 773-599-1133. Sign up for December’s class by going to https://forms.gle/SNpcWfH1Cfujhd4G9

OOOOO.. MY…. GOODNESS!

Today’s session with the girl’s varsity basketball team was electrifying! The energy these ladies displayed today was AMAZING! 

Their participation and feedback was outstanding!

Thank you Coach Laura Brumfield for having us! 

I want to send a special shout out to my long term friend and brother Coach Derrick Martin. 

We see the work you all are doing with our youth off and on the court.

KEEP GOING!