The Sakkara Youth Institute
“Knowledge is like a garden: if it is not cultivated, it cannot be harvested”.
African Proverb
In this millennium, the future will belong to those who prepare for it today. Consequently, it is imperative that we cultivate youth development. Sakkara Youth Institute was designed to give African American students the venue to develop holistically. In doing so, they will be prepared to meet the challenges of the 21 st Century. SYI is unique in its high expectations, African-centered delivery system, culturally sensitive strategies and materials, as well as, its orientation toward holistic child development .
SYI CURRICULUM FRAMEWORK
Recognizing that children develop at different rates, SYI adopts National standards as baseline expectations for grades Pre-K though ninth grade.
Language Arts
SYI is unique in its utilization of the highly successful Fast Track Reading Program to empower students to achieve the skills required to read fluently. Students will master phonics, grammar, vocabulary, etymology, reading comprehension, writing skills, and research skills.
Foreign Language
Spanish
With the influence of Spanish speaking people in Florida , SYI will offer Spanish as an elective. This course includes: phonics, vocabulary, and basic conversation.
French
French is spoken in many African countries throughout the Diaspora. The French course covers phonics, verb conjugation, vocabulary, complex conversation and mathematic computation in French.
Twi
Twi is a language spoken in West Africa ( Ghana ). Students will learn basic to complex conversation, numbers and songs.
Mathematics
Mathematics originated with Africans. SYI provides a comprehensive course in math that covers math origin, complex addition, subtraction, rounding, multiplication, division, fractions, word problems, algebra, and geometry .
History
The History program at SYI has four components: World History, African History, American History, and Florida History. The purpose of the SYI history program is two-fold: (1) to teach historical events according to nationally- recognized standards, and (2) to teach children the implications of historical events for people of African descent.
Computer Science
In this age of computer technology, it is important for SYI students to be armed with the knowledge and skills to compete. Each classroom at SYI will be equipped with Internet access computers. This course will cover parts of the computer, terminology, keyboard skills, Internet use, and a plethora of computer software applications.
Social Studies
Social Studies is an important part of the SYI curriculum. It incorporates the history, culture, traditions, languages, and geography of the world.
Science
Science provides children the opportunity to investigate, explore, question, and learn by doing. SYI students will be introduced to Biology, Chemistry, and Physics. These content areas cover the basics, as well as, complex formulae, equations and experimentation.
Biology
The biology program will encompass plant and animal life. Students will use microscopes to observe the unique aspects of both; as well as dissecting various animals for research. Each student is required to complete at least two science projects by the end of the year.
Physics
Physics will be implemented for 5 th – 9 th grade students. Students will learn the basic laws and principals of physics. Physics will also provide a background for various aspects of engineering.
Chemistry
Chemistry will be provided to all students of SYI on a weekly basis. This course will cover the varying aspects of matter, the periodic table of elements and the law(s) and principals of energy.
Saki
Saki is an ancient African form of martial arts. Saki will incorporate the importance of making safe decisions and defending oneself in the event of an attack. In this current world of growing violent attacks and the kidnapping of our children, it is important to equip our children with sufficient skills to protect them from harm.
Music
SYI students will have access to three different music classes. Music Appreciation encompasses the history of music, note reading and making instruments. African Dancing and Drumming allows students to learn cultural beats and dance steps. Keyboard 101 incorporates note reading and preparing for concerts.
Art
Our specialized art classes allow students to use their own creativity to create from small to monumental works of art.
SYI TESTING
A pre and post achievement test is administered to each student of SYI. The Wechsler Individual Achievement Test and/or the Woodcock Johnson Tests of Achievement are given annually. Dr. Sharon Ames- Dennard, a licensed psychologist, supervises SYI evaluations.
RITUALS
SYI students participate in rituals each morning to affirm positive mental and spiritual development. It also creates a foundation to prepare the student for the educational process. SYI begins each day with a Libation, the African Pledge, an Affirmation, Meditation and a Yoga Stretch. An African Proverb and a quote from a significant African American is also incorporated in the morning rituals.
ENROLLMENT REQUIREMENTS
Children seeking enrollment at SYI in Pre-K must be four years of age by January 2004. Children entering SYI in Kindergarten must be five years of age by December 31, 2003 . Proof of age must be verified by an authentic birth certificate. A health examination completed within the past 12 months and all immunizations as required by law must be on file prior to a child's attendance. A physician's letter is required to administer medication on- site.
HOURS OF OPERATION
The SYI school day commences at 7:45 a.m. and ends at 4:00 p.m. Supervision will not be provided before 7:45 a.m. The After School program commences at 4:00 p.m. and ends at 5:30 p.m. Late fees will be assessed promptly after 5: 45 p.m.
N ew Student Registration Fee: $105.00
R eturning Student Reg. Fee: $35.00
B ook Fee (All Students): $335.00
A ctivity Fee: $35.00
M onthly Tuition
First Child: $350.00
Each add'l child: $340.00
A fter school
First Child: $90.00
Each add'l child: $85.00
Fees may be paid by cash, money, order, check, or credit card.
*These rates reflect academic year 2003-2004,
Rates increase 5% on an annual basis .
---------Contact SYI Information---------
Sakkara Youth Institute
Independent School
1209 Paul Russell Road
Tallahassee , FL 32301
Tel: 850-878-0540
e-mail: SakkaraYI@hotmail.com
Founders/ Directors
Dana O. Dennard, Ph. D.
Sharon Ames-Dennard, Ph.D.
Kha Dennard, Ed. D.
Principal
Chevelle Hall, M.Ed.
Assistant Principal
Rasheedah Sharif
Dean of Students
Dr. Ibn Imani
