Fall 2021

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Dear Friend, So many of the changes around us at this time of year are eagerly anticipated and largely welcome—cooler days, brightly-colored leaves, back-to-school routines—and yet, this year also brings changes and uncertainties that can feel jarring and difficult. Through it all, we see the resiliency in our teachers, in our students, and in our communities, and this inspires us at Live It Learn It to embrace and even expand our mission of providing the highest quality experiential learning no matter what the circumstances. We are delighted to be back with teachers and students once again, and look forward to the year ahead. It is my pleasure to share with you the latest issue of The Progress Report, showcasing many changes and updates at LILI. There are fresh new faces we are delighted to welcome, as well as some new roles for veteran staff; our outstanding 2021-22 cohort of Experiential Learning Fellows; in-person programming innovations, and ways for you to continue investing in our students, teachers, and schools.  Sincerely,  Michelle N. Edwards, Ed.D Executive Director P.S. I was fortunate to share more about our mission with the folks at Comcast Newsmakers earlier this month. It was a tremendous opportunity to reach a wider audience and get the word out about what we do. I hope you will take a few minutes to watch and share this video!  The New Two! Allow us to introduce you to... Maryam Trowell // We are thrilled to have Maryam join us as the Head of Programming. From former LILI partner teacher (shoutout to Boone ES) to Fellows consultant, she has been invested in LILI’s mission for quite some time. The energy that she brings is unmatched and we are here for it! When Maryam isn’t creating color-coded organizational charts or brainstorming adapt-as-we-go ideas for programming, she is training for a half-marathon and spending time with her family.  Lakia Poole // With Lakia’s background in youth and gender equity, we are ecstatic to have her voice guiding our curricula as she begins her role as Curriculum Lead and Experiential Learning Educator. She has already shown a deep curiosity around student-centered learning and we are ready to see her ideas come to life! Outside of LILI, Lakia's steady obsessions include Marvel comics and movies, Passion Planners, and being the favorite aunt in her family.  In addition to the legit ladies above, check out the new and improved staff roles! Fresh Faces on Staff → Field Notes Self-Discovery through Sculpture As we begin this school year like no other, we are taking precautions to ensure the safety of our school communities as well as LILI staff by revising and building our units to take advantage of the wonderful outdoor locations that Washington, DC offers.  In our redesigned, three-part Painting our Identity unit, students explore the meaning of identity as they consider and share their own identities with one another before traveling to the National Mall to analyze sculptures of Albert Einstein, Abraham Lincoln, and the Vietnam Women's Memorial. Back in the classroom, students pose for a photographic portrait that illustrates and celebrates who they are. For She's a Jolly Good Fellow... Our newest cohort of Fellows is exploring strategies to encourage ‘productive struggle’ in the classroom through authentic engagement that places the emphasis on students building perseverance. Get to Know Our Fellows → Engaging Justice We are proud that two of our staff members were awarded a scholarship to participate in a JusticexDesign Intensive, created to explore the collisions of design, representation, and power in the classroom. Learn more... Summertime Activism We miss our students during the summer, so we were delighted to partner with Lutheran Social Services National Capital Area to bring our MLK/March on Washington unit to students and their families attending LSSNCA summer camp. Photojournalists at Work → LILI Honor Roll is Turning 1! One year ago we asked our supporters to consider donating on a monthly basis, and we are so grateful to those who stepped up! Your generosity makes our work with students possible. If you're not already a recurring donor, please consider joining this dedicated group, known as the LILI Honor Roll, here. ICYMI: Check out our latest video highlighting our commitment to serving schools this year! Did you know? You can support LILI in so many ways! Giving Tuesday is upon us! As of this writing, Giving Tuesday is just 62 days, 10 hours, and 14 minutes away! Each year, we are blown away by the generosity of our supporters, and we are looking forward to the best GT yet in 2021!   Are you an Amazon Shopper? Looking for the absolute easiest way to support LILI at no cost to you? Go to smile.amazon.com and designate LILI as your charity — that’s it! A portion of all sales will help LILI invest in DC students!    view this email in your browser Copyright © 2020 Live It Learn It, All rights reserved.