“Elevate your mind, get yourself together...” a resounding chorus of third- through fifth-grade students at
Biscayne Elementary sang these words during an Operation Elevate assembly.
Founder London Arrington incorporated song and dance into this mind-changing presentation to challenge the mindset of today’s youth and make them question what’s really “lame.” Arrington cautioned students to stop and think about the term and ask themselves, “Are the lame kids the ones who come to school with their pants pulled up ready to learn, or are they the kids who get in the way and prevent teachers from teaching?”
Students, parents and teachers sat at the edge of their seats and listened to the much needed and well overdue reality check.
“I’ve spoken to and visited students in many states and one thing remains the same; there are a handful of students in every school who dominate the atmosphere. That doesn’t make sense to me and it’s time for that to change,” said Arrington. “We have to get kids to think differently and take ownership of their learning environment.” Arrington also encouraged students to be a real “G…GENIUS.”
Following the assembly, Arrington spent an hour in small group talk with approximately 20 boys selected by Principal Crystal Lewis.
“Peer pressure is a serious issue for today’s students and in many cases the boys have it worse than the girls. Many of our parents are doing a good job at home and teach sound values, but their children have to make tough decisions everyday and battle against the temptation to fit in,” noted Lewis. “I selected this group of boys with the help of their teachers because we believe they can play a key role in changing the mindset of our entire student body. They are going to be our original “Gs…GENIUSES.”
London promised a return visit to Biscayne to follow up with these young men and make sure they are maintaining their commitment.
The small group discussion and follow up visit was a deciding factor for Principal Lewis when selecting Operation Elevate for her school. Guest principals also enjoyed the assembly and Principal Lewis hopes other schools will take advantage of the message Operation Elevate offers.
Submitted by Biscayne Parent Sharon Hodges
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