ASFA Chosen as a Pilot School for New AP Computer Science: Principles Course

September 26, 2013

Information technology drives our global economy, underlies recent advances in science and engineering, and promises transformational approaches to our world’s most serious challenges, including health care, education and environmental remediation. Yet, collectively, a smaller percentage of American high school students take computer science courses today than they did 20 years ago.
To help ensure that more high school students are prepared to pursue post secondary education in computer science, the National Science Foundation (NSF) is making a four-year, $5.2 million grant to the College Board’s Advanced Placement Program® (AP®) to fund the creation of AP Computer Science Principles (AP CSP).
The college-level AP CSP course will be introduced into thousands of high schools nationwide in fall 2016, with the first AP CSP Exam set to be administered in May 2017. AP CSP will be the first new AP course and exam since AP Chinese Language and Culture and AP Japanese Language and Culture were implemented in fall 2006. Unlike computer science courses that focus on programming, AP CSP has been designed to help students explore the creative aspects of computing while also providing a solid academic foundation for understanding the intellectual concepts and practical contributions of computing.
A cohort of 38 high schools and 12 colleges and universities has been selected to pilot the AP CSP course through spring 2016. As part of the pilot, Mrs. Carol Yarbrough, Computer Science Instructor at the Alabama School of Fine Arts, will work with the College Board and other pilot schools to develop curriculum and training materials for use by future AP CSP teachers. The new Computer Science Principles course is a major step ahead for Alabama schools. Three of the 38 high schools in the national pilot are from Alabama. They are ASFA, Hoover High School and Lawrence County High School. In addition to participation in the national pilot, Mrs. Yarbrough and nine other Alabama high school teachers will be working with Dr. Jeff Gray at the University of Alabama on an Alabama initiative to train 50 teachers to teach the new AP CSP course by fall 2016.

Pastor Cuffed for Allegedly Sexually Assaulting Parishioners with ‘Healing Hands’

Birmingham Times

September 26, 2013

By Associated Press

NORWALK, Calif. — A Southern California churchman who claimed to have “healing hands” was charged with sexually assaulting women parishioners, authorities said.
Jorge Juan Castro, 54, of Norwalk was arrested last week and charged with rape, oral copulation and penetration by a foreign object, according to a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department statement Thursday.
Castro was associate pastor of Las Buenas Nuevas Church in the Los Angeles suburb, but he was removed from the post after church officials learned of the investigation.
Although he is charged with attacking only a few women, more than 20 women ranging from age 18 to 39 made allegations to a church official that prompted the investigation and more charges could be added, authorities said.
Castro remained jailed Thursday on $2 million bail.
Prosecutors contend that he began assaulting women at the church and in their homes in 2004, the same year that he moved to the Los Angeles area from Argentina. He met the women under the guise of counseling them and performing faith healing.
“During that counseling session, he would perform certain acts with them in the name of God, telling them that the acts that he’s performing would help them in their problems, whatever they are having, and would sexually molest them,” Los Angeles County sheriff’s Sgt. Al Garcia told KABC-TV.
“He claimed to have healing hands and utilized that process to eventually sexually assault them,” sheriff’s Capt. Robert Esson told the Los Angeles Times.
Many of the women were Spanish-speakers who were in the country illegally, according to a Sheriff’s Department statement.
Castro allegedly exploited their vulnerability by threatening to expose them to public ridicule and have them deported, the statement said.
Castro also was an associate pastor at a church in Riverside County, but there are no known victims there, investigators said.

SPEAKING OF SOAPS

Birmingham Times

September 26, 2013

BY MEREDITH COOPER
NOW IN ITS 37TH YEAR

THE BOLD AND THE BEAUTIFUL

Brooke and Quinn discussed whether or not Wyatt and Hope could possibly have a future together. Liam was once again discouraged by Bill to marry Hope and was accused of having lingering feelings for Steffy. Wyatt expressed his love to Hope and asked her to give him a chance at seeing where their friendship might lead. Hope made a confession to Wyatt about her relationship with Liam. Having received good news from overseas about his marriage to Steffy, Liam immediately made plans for his future. Feeling that Wyatt was running out of time to win Hope’s heart, Quinn came up with a plan to help her son out. Suspicious of Liam’s motives, Brooke confronted him about why he wants to marry Hope so quickly. Wyatt used his charm to convince Hope to go away on an international adventure with him. Unbeknownst to Bill and Brooke, Katie was on her way back from New York to Los Angeles, and she’s still not over their betrayal. While discussing their upcoming wedding, Hope dropped the bomb on Liam that she’s taking a business trip to Mexico with Wyatt. Eric called Wyatt out on whether his trip with Hope’s business or pleasure. Quinn warned Wyatt that more may come out of Wyatt and Hope’s trip than a piece of jewelry. Brooke made an attempt to extend an olive branch to Katie, but the awkward setting prevented it from being successful. Katie blindsided Brooke by asking about her current living situation with Bill. Hope and Wyatt arrived in Mexico on a mission to obtain a priceless gem for HFTF’s use. Despite Liam’s feelings about her trip with Wyatt, Hope agreed to extend her trip. Hope set Wyatt straight about the true reason why she picked his company’s jewelry line to be the exclusive collection for Forrester Creations. Overwhelmed with guilt, Brooke thought of ways to make up for what she had done to Katie in order to redeem herself.

THIS WEEK: Liam comes up with a special way to show his love for Hope. Rick attempts to convince Caroline, and himself, that he is fine with Maya marrying Carter.

DAYS OF OUR LIVES

Desperate to unlock his memories, Eric reluctantly allowed Marlena to hypnotize him. Kristen issued a veiled threat to Victor. Brady and Nicole continued to clash over her feelings for Eric. JJ broke into Daniel’s apartment. Theresa offered Jennifer a hard-to-resist deal in exchange for her job back. Eric confessed to Father Matt about his crazy theory concerning his dreams. Brady was suspicious when he caught Victor and Marlena conspiring together. Theresa sought help from Caroline, knowing she might be her last chance to stay out of jail. JJ and his friends partied it up in Daniel’s apartment. Daniel and Parker paid a special visit to Chloe. Stefano ordered EJ to meet the rest of his demands. Later, EJ stumbled upon Chad’s secret. Cameron struggled with accepting that Abigail’s now with Chad. Daniel returned home and realized something’s amiss. A desperate Theresa turned to JJ for help. Daniel confronted JJ and tried to make a deal with him. However, they wound up in a heated argument just as Jennifer arrived. Theresa vowed revenge on Jennifer for ruining her life, and later Anne made it clear she’s willing to help. EJ used Chad’s secret to get what he wants. Will was stunned when he caught Gabi in a compromising position with Nick! Rafe realized he hasn’t made as much progress with Jordan as he thought. Brady and Kristen began pre-cana with Eric. Kristen grew nervous as she’s forced to be truthful with Brady, and Eric began to have memory flashes. Chad gave Abigail a special gift involving Jack. Later, Abigail had conflicted feelings when she saw Cameron with Gabi. Later, Will unleashed his anger first on Gabi and Nick, then also on Sonny when he realized his boyfriend had been keeping secrets.

THIS WEEK: Nicole gets a tantalizing job offer. Sonny plays matchmaker for Gabi and Cameron.

GENERAL HOSPITAL

Sonny lost control at the party. Silas had some explaining to do with Sam. Shawn had info on who caused the explosion that he wanted to tell Sonny, but Olivia said it’s not a good time. Sabrina revealed to Patrick that Carlos, her old boyfriend, wants her back. Carly confronted Sonny about his behavior since Connie’s death and accused him of going off his medications. Sam and Silas enjoyed an improvised dinner while Silas told her about his childhood. While hearing about his childhood, Sam wondered about his past with Ava. Danny’s timely interruption saved Silas from having to delve further. Dante and Lulu worked together to survive a tough night with baby Connie. Maxie and Spinelli had another tense encounter. Shawn was uneasy when he witnessed a flirty exchange between Alexis and Derek. Shawn informed Alexis that he has the name of the rival organization’s head. Patrick probed Sabrina about meeting her ex-boyfriend (Carlos). Sabrina assured Patrick that Carlos was out of her life. Olivia helped Dante and Lulu make preparations for Connie’s christening. After filling them in on the wedding reception and shipment hit, Olivia chastised them for not selecting godparents yet. Dante was out with the baby and bumps into Spinelli. Patrick walked in on Sabrina treating the shirtless Carlos. Carlos introduced himself, but Patrick cut through all the niceties and said he knows Carlos is after Sabrina. Carlos affirmed this and accused Patrick of treating Sabrina like a glorified babysitter and of not being over his dead wife, given that he still wears his wedding ring. On the day of Connie’s christening, Lulu revealed to Tracy that she’s aware of Luke’s condition. At the church, Maxie prayed for the strength to endure the christening. Luke’s condition had seriously deteriorated and he’s surprised to confront a demon from his past. Britt and Ben settled in with Nikolas at Wyndemere.

THIS WEEK: Luke is told there is a doctor working on a cure. Sabrina questions her relationship with Patrick.

THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS

Adam visited Chelsea and questioned her about a cabin Dylan might have taken Connor too. Avery rushed to the cabin and found Dylan with Connor. Avery tried to calm Dylan when she realized he’s experiencing post-traumatic stress. Lily told Abby that Hilary’s the person behind the posts on GC Buzz. Later, Cane told Lily that he has evidence that Hilary and Mason are working together and conspiring against them. Meanwhile, Hilary told Mason that she’s confident that Cane’s marriage will soon be a distant memory. In Illinois, Sister Clare recognized Nikki from a visit she had made to the convent several years earlier. Nikki and Paul tried to get answers from Sister Clare about the baby Nikki gave up. When Paul urged Nikki to tell Victor about the child she gave up, Nikki admitted that she feels ashamed about her secret. Sharon and Dr. Watkins discussed her issues. She was convinced things with her and Nick are headed in the right direction. When Dr. Watkins questioned how Sharon has been doing and if she’s taking her medication, Sharon insisted that she’s fine and doesn’t need the pills. Later, Sharon tried to comfort Nick as he struggled to determine his next move. Faith and Sharon told Nick that they’ll cheer him up as they all had ice cream together. Jack and Victor met to discuss their next steps with Newman Enterprises. Noah and Courtney bumped into each other in Chancellor Park. Noah enjoyed getting to know her as they started to flirt with each other. Later, Summer told Courtney that she’s thinking about going to Los Angeles. Courtney admitted that it sounds like fun but she doesn’t want to leave Genoa City (or Noah) behind. Avery brought Dylan back to her apartment after his breakdown at the cabin. When Dylan asked about the wedding, Avery revealed that she and Nick separated. Meanwhile, Chelsea convinced Adam that the baby should stay with her. Adam agreed but said that Chelsea and the baby have to move in to his penthouse. Adam told Jack that he’s more determined than ever to hold on to Newman and fight for his son’s legacy. Later, Jack and Adam prepared to meet with Victor, and Jack mentioned that they will take great delight in Victor’s defeat. Meanwhile, Victor invited Noah to come work at Newman with him and Victoria. Noah promised to consider the offer.

THIS WEEK: Victor meets with Adam and Jack and delivers shocking news about his plans for Newman Enterprises. Chelsea tells Anita about her concern with Dylan’s flashbacks of the war.

Federal Judge Rejects Motion to Dismiss Lawsuit Challenging Use of Pepper Spray on Birmingham Schoolchildren

Birmingham Times

September 26, 2013

Appellate Court ruling allows case to move forward

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – A federal judge denied a motion by the Birmingham Police Department to dismiss a lawsuit filed by the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) challenging the use of pepper spray on Birmingham schoolchildren – a ruling that allows the case to move forward.
“We are pleased with the court’s decision to deny the city’s motion to dismiss the lawsuit,” said Ebony Howard, SPLC staff attorney and juvenile justice policy specialist. “We stand behind the merits of this case and believe the students will prevail in court. The Birmingham Police Department continues to put children’s lives at risk by subjecting them to pepper spray. Our lawsuit challenges this harmful practice and demands humane treatment for all children in Birmingham schools.”
A copy of the court ruling can be viewed at: http://sp.lc/bhmM3ce.
The ruling comes just a week after more than 50 students were doused with pepper spray at Jackson-Olin High School as police reportedly responded to a fight between students.
The SPLC filed a federal class action lawsuit in 2010 on behalf of current and future students in the city’s public school system. The lawsuit alleges that the Birmingham Police Department violated the constitutional rights of students through an abusive policy that allowed officers stationed in the schools to use chemical weapons against students to enforce basic school discipline.

The Southern Poverty Law Center, based in Alabama with offices in Florida, Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi, is a nonprofit civil rights organization dedicated to fighting hate and bigotry, and to seeking justice for the most vulnerable members of society. For more information, see www.splcenter.org.

Birmingham Children’s Theatre Presents Watsons Go to Birmingham to Commemorate City’s 50th Anniversary of Civil Rights

Birmingham Times

September 26, 2013

Over 17,000 expected to attend- 3 performances added

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Birmingham Children’s Theatre (BCT) will present The Watsons Go to Birmingham as part of its youth-centered contribution to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Civil Rights in Birmingham. Performances are scheduled for October 6 through October 18. BCT is preparing for a crowd of over 17,000 to converge upon the theatre to see Reginald Andre Jackson’s adaptation of Christopher Paul Curtis’ historical-fiction novel of the same title.
“This work is one of the most important works that BCT has produced in a long time. It was difficult for us to find something that addresses the real issues that children in 1963 were facing while ensuring that it was in a context that was appropriate and understandable for young children,” says Jack R. Lemmon, Executive Director. Watsons clearly fits that need.
The play chronicles a lengthy stay in Birmingham, Alabama, by the Watson family of Flint, Michigan. The family is collectively affected by the events that take place during their visit, specifically, the bombing of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church.
“It is important that BCT provide productions that are relevant to our children and their education. After all, our mission is to educate, entertain and enrich the lives of children through the magic of professional theatre,” says Lemmon.
Of particular note to educators are BCT’s Study Guides for each production. Created in partnership by BCT’s Director of Education and the Alabama Institute for Education in the Arts, all BCT Study Guides are tailored for each preK-8th grade classroom and are carefully designed to include both National Arts Standards and State curriculum standards outlined by the Alabama Course of Study. These well-researched resources are free for all BCT productions and are a key in-school component for supporting and sustaining arts education both in and out of the classroom.
Visit Birmingham Children’s Theatre at www.bct123.org.

University of Alabama orders sororities to end race discrimination

Birmingham Times

September 26, 2013

President demands change after revelations that all-white sorority groups actively discriminated against Black prospects

The University of Alabama is ordering changes in its sorority system amid charges of discrimination in the Greek-letter organizations, which the administration acknowledged Tuesday are segregated by race.
President Judy Bonner mandated that sororities belonging to a campus association composed of white sororities begin a recruitment process in which new members can be added at any time. She also expanded the maximum size of the groups to 360 people, to increase the chances of prospective members.
Bonner, in a video statement released by the university, said people are watching Alabama just as they did when it admitted its first Black students five decades ago.
“This time it is because our Greek system remains segregated and chapter members admit that during the recruitment process that ended a few weeks ago decisions were made based on race,” she said.
Bonner said “systemic and profound changes” were required for graduates to compete globally.
“While we will not tell any group who they must pledge, the University of Alabama will not tolerate discrimination of any kind,” said Bonner, who became the school’s first female president less than a year ago.
Bonner enacted the new policy Monday just days after the student newspaper, The Crimson White, detailed allegations that alumnae of some all-white sororities had blocked chapters from adding two Black students as new members in August, when the university announced 1,896 new sorority members.
The Faculty Senate scheduled a meeting for Tuesday afternoon to consider a statement asking administrators to take further steps against campus racism.
Donna Meester, vice president of the senate, said the group planned to address sorority recruitment and involvement in a recent city election in which some sorority members allegedly received free alcohol in exchange for voting for certain candidates.
University of Alabama trustee John England Jr, a state court judge in Tuscaloosa and a former member of the Alabama supreme court, last week confirmed his step-granddaughter was one of two young Black women who tried to join an all-white sorority but were rejected for membership.
Governor Robert Bentley and trustee Paul Bryant Jr, son of the legendary Alabama football coach Paul “Bear” Bryant, are among those who have publicly criticized segregated Greek organizations at the university since the first report.
The charges of racism are marring a year in which the university is trying to show racial progress in the 50 years since then-Governor George C Wallace’s “Stand in the Schoolhouse Door” blocking integration at Alabama, and with the school’s football team ranked first nationally.
Allegations of racism at Alabama provided a backdrop over the weekend at ceremonies marking the 50th anniversary of the 1963 bombing that killed four Black girls at a church in Birmingham. Civil rights leader Jesse Jackson suggested picketing all-white sororities at the university, and Representative Terri Sewell, whose district includes Tuscaloosa, said the situation at Alabama shows discrimination isn’t dead.
“When we still have fraternities and sororities in our state that block because of race, we still have work to do,” said Sewell.
The university enrolled a record 34,852 students this semester, and about 13 percent of its students last year were Black. Its Greek organizations have been segregated by race since the first Black students enrolled and established social organizations, with one oversight organization composed of white sororities and another composed of minority sororities.
Only a few Blacks ever have attempted to join historically white Greek groups at Alabama, where there are also historically Black fraternities and sororities.
University spokeswoman Cathy Andreen said Bonner’s order on recruitment applies to 18 white sororities in the Alabama Panhellenic Association, the campus arm of the National Panhellenic Conference. Eight Black sororities and fraternities at Alabama are affiliated the assocation.
The Interfraternity Council includes 27 historically white fraternities, and an umbrella organization is composed of leaders of all three groups.

USING HIS VOICE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS Mattie C.’s Boy: The Shelley Stewart Story, by Shelley Stewart and

Birmingham Times

September 26, 2013

Don Keith
Read a preview at http://www.newsouthbooks.com/stewart.
As a child, Shelley Stewart witnessed his father murder his mother; homeless, Stewart suffered from abuse and discrimination. Against the odds, Stewart graduated high school and became a hugely successful radio personality, as well as one of the nation’s first black radio station owners.
Stewart also entered into a silent business partnership with a white friend when such an arrangement could not be made public; that partnership developed into one of the country’s most successful advertising agencies, o2ideas.
Stewart faced additional challenges when he helped Martin Luther King mount the Children’s March through Birmingham, and used his powerful voice to help convict one of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church bombers. Stewart later created the Mattie C. Stewart Foundation, named after his late mother, to work to help high school students stay in school and graduate.
Stewart, with author Don Keith, tells his powerful story in his memoir Mattie C.’s Boy.
Available in hardcover ($29.95) and ebook ($9.99). 320 pages. ISBN 978-1-60306-313-5.
Order direct from NewSouth Books, 334-834-3556 or www.newsouthbooks.com/stewart, or from your favorite bookstore.

L’Oreal Internship Progran Now Accepting Applications for 2014

Birmingham Times

September 26, 2013

More than 150 interns are hired each year by L’Oreal

NATIONWIDE (BlackNews.com) – L’Oreal, the world’s largest cosmetics and beauty company, is looking for talented young people who can express their wide-ranging personal attributes as they take part in challenging, dynamic projects and missions. They are looking for students with a diverse range of profiles, nationalities and experiences.
Internship opportunities are available, both in the U.S. and internationally, in the areas of Research, Operations, Finance, Information Systems, Marketing, Sales, Communications, and Human Resources. More than 150 interns are hired each year by L’Oreal, and approximately 28 percent of graduates hired full-time were interns.
In addition to traditional campus job fairs and online applications, students are also invited to experience L’Oreal through business games and recruitment weekends. Students who play the games or attend the weekends will be eligible to interview for an internship.
To apply for the L’Oreal Internship program, visit: www.findinternships.com/2013/09/loreal-internships.html
To search hundreds of other 2013-2014 internship programs, visit: www.FindInternships.com

Southern Poverty Law Center Appoints Lisa Sahulka as Chief Operating Officer

Birmingham Times

September 26, 2013

National Civil Rights Organization Taps Florida Executive

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) has announced the appointment of Lisa A. Sahulka of St. Petersburg, Fla., as chief operating officer.
Former chief financial officer for the Juvenile Welfare Board (JWB) of Pinellas County, Fla., Sahulka assumed her new role as a member of the SPLC senior leadership team effective Sept. 16, 2013.
“Lisa Sahulka brings operational savvy, strategic orientation, and proven financial skills to the SPLC at a critical time,” said SPLC President Richard Cohen. “Her passion for social justice and insight into serving a particularly vulnerable population – children and youth in Florida – will help us meet today’s growing social justice challenges nationwide.”
“As one of her key tasks, Sahulka will lead our effort to make technology a full partner in the Center’s impact and success,” Cohen added. The SPLC, he said, employs a three-pronged strategy to battle racial and social injustice:

•   Track the activities of hate groups and domestic terrorists across America and launch innovative lawsuits to destroy networks of radical extremists.
•   Use the courts and other forms of advocacy to win systemic reforms on behalf of victims of bigotry and discrimination.
•   Provide educators with free resources that teach schoolchildren to reject hate, embrace diversity and respect differences

Sahulka is a career-long proponent of administrative effectiveness in mission-driven enterprises. During more than 15 years with JWB, she developed infrastructure and processes supporting some 60 external programs serving thousands of children each year. Prior to moving to Florida, she held positions with CARE, Covenant House, and the Jacob Riis Settlement House. She also served as an adjunct professor at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, and worked abroad at Casa Alianza in Antigua, Guatemala, and the International English Schools in London.
“The SPLC is without peer in the country,” Sahulka said. “It is enormously gratifying to be asked to become part of such a compelling organization. I am proud of what my team and I were able to accomplish on behalf of underserved children in our part of Florida. The opportunity to support the SPLC, an organization with true national reach, was simply too exciting to pass up.”

MUSICAL NOTES

Birmingham Times

September 26, 2013

By Esther Callens

Celebrated trumpeter/composer Alex Sipiagin returns presenting his latest on a new label. From Reality and Back features eight original compositions backed by a famed list of musicians. Released on Gonzalo Rubalcaba’s 5Passion label, From Reality and Back is an extraordinary collection.
Sipiagin’s most recent offers a phenomenal list of talents doing what they enjoy doing best – making some fantastic music. Dave Holland (bass), Antonio Sanchez (percussion), Seamus Blake (sax) and Gonzalo Rubalcaba (piano) joins Sipiagin on this amazing recording. To add even more to the album’s appeal (as if that’s possible), award winning guitarist/composer Pat Metheny composed the special piece – “Son, Uvedeny Posle” (Dream Seen Later) especially for this project. Wow – could it get any better?
Sipiagin is a flawless trumpeter and this attribute is highly displayed in “Chain Reaction.” Additionally, throughout the project, the interplay between him and Blake is perfect in sync, pitch and tempo. The opener presents Gonzalo Rubalcaba leading off on “Around The Bend”, a smooth, uncomplicated composition. Additional track listing includes: “With the Tide”, “From Reality and Back”, “End Of…”, “Here and Now Son”, “Uvedeny Posle” and The Maze.” From Reality and Back offers a little over 70 minutes of pristine arrangements – it is destined to be among the classics.
Greatness runs in Alex Sipiagin family as his great-grand uncle was Leonid Sobinov, Russia’s most famous opera singer. Sipiagin was born in Yaroslavi Russia. As a young child he was a member of the children’s orchestra and he went to the musical college at the age of 15 to continue his studies. In 1991 he moved to New York City and it was here he began to capture the American audiences. Dave Sanborn, Eric Clapton, Elvis Costello, Dr. John, Deborah Cox, Aaron Neville, and numerous others make up an extensive list of talents he has had the pleasure of performing with. With 13 albums to his credit as a soloist, he also teaches in a special jazz program in Groningen, The Netherlands, as well as at a number of institutions. He and his family reside in Long Island.

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