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Author Kentrell Martin Promotes Inclusivity Through Children's Books on Deaf Culture

Author Kentrell Martin Promotes Inclusivity Through Children's Books on Deaf Culture

Kentrell Martin, author of the children's book series 'Shelly's Adventures,' visited Community Day School in Sarasota to promote inclusivity and awareness of Deaf culture. The series, inspired by Martin's experience with his deaf brother, follows a young girl teaching her friends American Sign Language (ASL) to communicate with her deaf father. Martin's interactive presentations, which include ASL instruction, aim to bridge the gap between deaf and hearing communities. His visits have reached over 300 schools nationwide, fostering understanding and empathy among students.
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PEN America Reports Doubling of Nonfiction Book Bans in Schools, Highlighting Anti-Intellectualism

PEN America Reports Doubling of Nonfiction Book Bans in Schools, Highlighting Anti-Intellectualism

PEN America has released a report indicating a significant increase in the number of nonfiction books banned in U.S. schools during the 2024-2025 academic year. The report, titled 'Facts & Fiction: Stories Stripped Away By Book Bans,' reveals that over 3,500 unique titles were removed from school libraries and classrooms, with nearly 30% being nonfiction. This marks more than double the number of nonfiction books banned compared to the previous year. The organization attributes this rise to a growing trend of anti-intellectualism, characterized by skepticism and devaluation of expert knowledge. The report also links these bans to broader political movements, particularly those involving LGBTQ rights. PEN America has been monitoring book bans since 2021, and the current findings suggest a troubling trend of censorship that extends beyond fiction to include educational and informational texts.
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Author Kentrell Martin Promotes Inclusivity Through Sign Language at Community Day School

Author Kentrell Martin Promotes Inclusivity Through Sign Language at Community Day School

Author Kentrell Martin Promotes Inclusivity Through Sign Language at Community Day School
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Chicago Cubs Host First Jewish American Community Night with National Anthem by Lakeview Cantor

Chicago Cubs Host First Jewish American Community Night with National Anthem by Lakeview Cantor

Chicago Cubs Host First Jewish American Community Night with National Anthem by Lakeview Cantor
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Jermont Terry Engages with Students at Kellar Middle School Career Day

Jermont Terry Engages with Students at Kellar Middle School Career Day

Jermont Terry, a reporter from CBS News Chicago, participated in a career day event at Kellar Middle School. He spoke to five different eighth-grade classes, sharing insights into the life and responsibilities of a reporter. This engagement was part of the school's efforts to prepare students for graduation and to inspire them by showcasing various career paths. Terry's presentation aimed to provide students with a realistic view of the journalism profession, highlighting both the challenges and rewards of being a reporter.
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Texture On Set Hair Show Promotes Inclusivity in Beauty Industry

Texture On Set Hair Show Promotes Inclusivity in Beauty Industry

Texture On Set Hair Show Promotes Inclusivity in Beauty Industry
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Riekes Center Celebrates 30 Years of Community Support and Personal Growth

Riekes Center Celebrates 30 Years of Community Support and Personal Growth

Riekes Center Celebrates 30 Years of Community Support and Personal Growth
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Grandmothers Mentor Middle School Girls in Chicago Program

Grandmothers Mentor Middle School Girls in Chicago Program

In Chicago, two grandmothers, Esther Siver and Carol Anne Been, have taken on the role of mentors for middle school girls at Goethe Elementary School in Logan Square. Through a dedicated mentoring program, these retirees are helping young girls navigate the challenges of middle school life. The program aims to provide guidance, support, and positive role models for the students, fostering a nurturing environment for personal and academic growth.
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National Teacher of the Year Leon Smith Aims to Impact Students' Lives

National Teacher of the Year Leon Smith Aims to Impact Students' Lives

Leon Smith, the 2026 National Teacher of the Year from Haverford High School in Pennsylvania, is focused on making a significant impact on his students both inside and outside the classroom. In an interview with ABC News' Linsey Davis, Smith discussed his approach to teaching and the importance of connecting with students on a personal level. He emphasizes the role of educators in shaping students' futures and the need for teachers to be adaptable and responsive to the changing educational landscape. Smith's recognition as Teacher of the Year highlights his dedication to fostering a supportive and engaging learning environment.
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Spokane School District Encourages Students to Reduce Phone Use for Better Sleep

Spokane School District Encourages Students to Reduce Phone Use for Better Sleep

The Spokane School District in Washington is implementing a new initiative to encourage students to reduce their phone usage, particularly at night, to improve sleep quality. This initiative is part of a broader program called Engage IRL, which aims to limit cellphone use during school hours and promote extracurricular activities as alternatives to screen time. The district has observed that many students are not getting the recommended 8 to 10 hours of sleep due to late-night phone use. To address this, the district is providing parents and students with information on the importance of sleep and strategies to reduce screen time before bed. This includes setting a digital curfew and creating tech-free zones in bedrooms. The initiative is supported by educational leaders and mental health experts who emphasize the negative impact of inadequate sleep on students' behavior and academic performance.
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Newton's Adams Street Revives Italian Heritage with Flag Colors

Newton's Adams Street Revives Italian Heritage with Flag Colors

Newton's Adams Street Revives Italian Heritage with Flag Colors
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Cinco de Mayo 2026: Celebrating History and Culture in the U.S.

Cinco de Mayo 2026: Celebrating History and Culture in the U.S.

Cinco de Mayo 2026: Celebrating History and Culture in the U.S.