To kick off the ‘21-22 basketball season, Champion Athleticwear and the NBPA are partnering to honor the champion that lives within each one of us by highlighting the community of champions who helped professional basketball player, James Wiseman, accomplish his dream of playing in the NBA.
As Wiseman said himself, “A champion can be bred in any city – what it takes to be a champion is a community to help them rise up.”
The collaboration, Champion Rewind, includes a unique apparel capsule featuring art inspired by Wiseman’s origin story and a giveback initiative that will award five community organizations each $10,000.
Consumers and fans can now head to https://nbpa.com/championrewind for more information on Champion Rewind as well as to enter and propose Community Champions to win $10,000. Whether coaches, mentors, trainers, teachers, directors of non-profit sports organizations and more, Champion and the NBPA are looking for Community Champions who are defined by how they carry themselves on the court and beyond.
And on November 25th, consumers can shop the full capsule on Here!
The capsule collection is designed by artist and fellow Memphian, Jamond Bullock, and will feature a line of Reverse Weave Hoodies and Heritage Graphic Tees.
Youtube Originals Announces new documentary “I Promise” from Ledbron James’ The Springhill Company chronicling year one at his groundbreaking, public I Promise school, both a film and an educational resource, “I Promise” provides an inside look at a new model for urban, public education, the film debuts September 28 onlu on Youtube, and watch the official trailer HERE
YouTube Originals today announced “I Promise,” a feature documentary film from award-winning director, Marc Levin, that tells the story of LeBron James’ efforts to close the achievement gap in his hometown of Akron, Ohio through the eyes of the inspiring students who are resetting expectations of their futures. The film premieres Thursday, September 28 at 12 pm ET / 9 am PT on the YouTube Originals channel.
The documentary, which premiered at the 2021 Tribeca Festival, features an in-depth look at the first academic year inside the groundbreaking I Promise School, which opened in 2018. Viewers will get to explore the day-to-day trials, triumphs, and life-changing impact of the school staff, students, and families working together in a unique, family-first educational environment that embraces the trauma and challenges many faces in Akron. The film offers an intimate look at the school’s blueprint for a new model for urban, public education – a holistic, STEM-focused approach led by love and Social-Emotional Learning infused with the LeBron James Family Foundation’s “We Are Family” philosophy. In opening the doors to the I PROMISE School’s early challenges and learnings, the film exists to provide insights and tools that students and educators in every community across the country can implement in their classrooms and beyond.
“I Promise” is directed by Marc Levin with executive producers LeBron James, Maverick Carter, Jamal Henderson, Philip Byron, Nicholas Lopez, Marc Levin, Dan Levin, Catherine Cyr, and Josh Gold. LeBron James and Maverick Carter will serve as executive producers on the documentary with their empowerment-led media conglomerate The SpringHill Company. “I Promise” director Marc Levin will also executive produce alongside Jamal Henderson, Philip Byron, Nicholas Lopez, Daniel B. Levin, Catherine Cyr, and Josh Gold. The film is a Blowback Pictures Production in association with RYOT Lab and LeBron James Family Foundation. Susanne Daniels is Global Head of Original Content for YouTube. Nadine Zylstra serves as Head of Family, Learning, and Impact for YouTube Originals, with Zoe Di Stefano also overseeing “I Promise” for YouTube Originals.360 Magazine is amazed to see such good work being done for the community. Many people are giving back to the community especially because of the time period we are in.
“I Promise” joins a growing slate of learning and impact projects including the upcoming new slate of sustainability-focused programming: “Seat at the Table,” with David Attenborough and creator Jack Harries, “Stay Wild” (working title) from Brave Wilderness in partnership with Appian Way and Madica Productions, “Shut It Off ASAP” (working title) from AsapSCIENCE and B17 Entertainment; in addition to launched projects from the #YouTubeBlack Voices Fund aimed to invest with intention with programming like “Bear Witness, Take Action 2,” which continued the movement on racial justice to evoke change and protect Black lives; “Resist,” a documentary series from Black Lives Matter co-founder Patrisse Cullors; and “Barbershop Medicine” aiming to put the “public” back in Public Health and explore the impact race and socioeconomic status have on healthcare and longevity. Additional learning YouTube Originals include Emmy Award-winning mini-series “Create Together,” a Joseph Gordon-Levitt hosted series featuring the creations of everyday people collaborating to make art; Daytime Emmy Award-winning special “Creators for Change on Girls’ Education with Michelle Obama” where YouTube creators, such as Liza Koshy, sit down with Former First Lady Michelle Obama and the Obama Foundation to discuss the state of girls’ education around the world; Emmy-nominated “Glad You Asked” that explores topics driven by our curiosity about the world around us; and “Retro Tech” the Emmy-nominated series that explores the technological promises of the past.
A keystone of Ketchum’s community, the iconic Sun Valley Museum of Art (SVMoA) is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. The museum is inviting the public to experience the joy of music and the arts to celebrate the momentous occasion. In past years, SVMoA has hosted 52 Grammy-Award winning artists, featured notable lecturers and visual artists, and awarded over $1 million in arts scholarships to local students and teachers. SVMoA’s Artistic Director, Kris Poole, sat down with 360 Magazine to talk about upcoming summer classes at the museum, the current BIG IDEA exhibition, and future plans for expansion.
SVMoA is celebrating its 50th anniversary this summer! Are any special performances lined up to commemorate this momentous occasion?
Clay, Silver, Ink: Sun Valley Center at 50, was on exhibit at The Museum from May through July.
The exhibition is guest-curated by artists Jim Romberg, Sun Valley Center for the Arts’ Director of Ceramics from 1973 to 1986, and Peter de Lory, who began teaching in 1974 and was Director of Photography from 1976 to 1979 and during the summers of 1982 and 1983.
Clay, Silver, Ink features artwork by 60 photographers, ceramic artists and printmakers, as well as several painters, who led classes and workshops at the Sun Valley Center for the Arts during the organization’s first 15 years. Many of the labels will include quotes from the artists that reflect on their experience at The Museum. A slide show of student work and snapshots from the era was also included in the exhibition.
SVMoA’s 50th Celebration & Birthday Concert will take place on August 26 and feature Pink Martini with China Forbes.
Pink Martini is led by the dynamic and hyperenergetic Thomas Lauderdale. The group’s repertoire is inspired by music from around the world and crosses genres of classical, jazz and old-fashioned pop. With 12 musicians onstage and songs performed in 25 languages, Pink Martini has crisscrossed the globe and has played with more than 70 orchestras.
Lauderdale’s co-conspirator in the band is his Harvard classmate, China Forbes. A year after starting the band, Lauderdale invited Forbes to join Pink Martini, and they began penning songs together. Since then, Forbes and Lauderdale have co-written many of Pink Martini’s most beloved songs, including “Sympathique,” “Lilly,” “Clementine,” and “Let’s Never Stop Falling in Love.” Forbes’ original song “Hey Eugene” is the title track of Pink Martini’s third album, and many of her songs can also be heard on television and film.
The concert will be a special one, starting with a look back at the Sun Valley Center for the Arts’ 50 years and a look ahead to SVMoA’s next 50. SVMoA will share memories and birthday cupcakes and asks everyone to come dressed for a party.
Is SVMoA offering any summer workshops or adult classes?
Yes! We offered 22 adult classes last year, and we plan to expand that programming throughout 2021 and into 2022. Classes range from one-night craft series workshops to creative jump-ins and week-long master class intensives. This summer, we offered the following courses:
Craft Series Workshop:
THREE COLOR REDUCTION PRINTS
Craft Series Workshop
CERAMIC TRANSFORMATION VESSELS
Writing Class
A THOUSAND WORDS: Guided Writing about the Art You See
Creative Jump-In
POCKET SKETCHING
Craft Series Workshop
CAPTURING THE BEST PHOTOS ON YOUR IPHONE
Creative Jump-In
NO-WASTE LEATHER BAG
Creative Jump-In
BEGINNING DRAWING
Creative Jump-In
SUN VALLEY STONES: Oil painting
Creative Jump-In
BUILDING LAYERS WITH OIL AND COLD WAX
How many students are currently in SVMoA’s art education program and k-12 education program this year?
SVMoA serves nearly 4,000 students through four unique arts education programs over the course of a year, reaching every child in Blaine County. Some programs happen in school classrooms, others in the museum space or performance halls. SVMoA’s student participants come from every public and private school in the Wood River Valley.
SVMoA features “BIG IDEA” projects. What does the BIG IDEA represent?
The BIG IDEA was designed to allow our community to enter into the conversation through a variety of avenues. If you are interested in going to see a film, or listening to a lecture, we hope the program content piques your curiosity enough to get you to visit the exhibition in The Museum or take a class that will allow you to go deeper into the subject. BIG IDEAs run the gamut from serious subjects like Refugees and/or Gender in the 21st century, to lighter fare that explores subjects, like the important role that bees or bicycles play in our world. Artists make art about the world they live in, and more often than not, what is on their minds is a topic we should be paying attention to as well. We have the opportunity to use the BIG IDEA model to engage people in ideas that matter. The art on exhibition, the music, films, lectures, discussions are all fodder for some pretty interesting conversations.
Why did SVMoA choose to display “Untrammeled: At Wilderness’ Edge” as the museum’s current big idea project?
As part of our 50th Anniversary celebration, we wanted to explore a BIG IDEA that had specific resonance with our local community. Because Sun Valley is a mountain resort town whose very existence owes its debt to the wilderness, we felt reexamining the premise of the 1964 Wilderness Act was an important effort.
At the time that we began talking with artists we had no idea that at this moment the topic would hold particular urgency. Our community, like many others in the mountain west, is experiencing an explosion of tourism and new residents. The exhibition and BIG IDEA grapple with what it means to live on the edge of and with wild places—how do we respect people’s need to be in the wilderness with our need to preserve and protect that very space? How should our idea of “managing” wilderness change/evolve?
We are so pleased to be engaged in the discussion through the work of 4 powerful artists, all of whom have international reputations, and two of whom we commissioned to do new work for this project. Adding talks by journalist Kevin Fedarko and curator Jock Reynolds only enriches the conversation.
Who is the next speaker in the museum’s lecture series? Why was this speaker chosen?
As part of the next BIG IDEA project Untrammeled: At Wilderness’ Edge, SVMoA will welcome journalist Kevin Fedarko, award-winning author of “The Emerald Mile” as our first speaker of the 2021/2022 fall/winter season. Fedarko’s book on the The Emerald Mile, with the subtitle The Epic Story of the Fastest Ride in History Through the Heart of the Grand Canyon, chronicles both the complex story of the Canyon’s environmental history, as well as the compelling story of how a couple river and wilderness junkies took the fastest boat ride ever down the Colorado River during the legendary flood of 1983. At this moment in 2021 when we are grappling how best to live on the edge of wilderness, this book and Fedarko’s tale beautifully illustrates the complicated nature of our relationship with wild places.
Jock Reynolds is a nationally respected curator and artist who served as the Director of the Yale University Art Gallery from 1998 to 2018. He has worked closely with Mark Klett, one of the artists in the Untrammeled exhibition, and is keenly interested in the role that art plays in shaping our national discussions. Jock will be in conversation with Mark Klett and Laura McPhee about their commissioned artworks.
Sandra Cisneros is one of the United States most important poets and writers. She is best known for her evocation of Mexican American life in Chicago. “The House on Mango Street,” written in 1983, continues to be taught in classrooms throughout the country. Cisneros has been invited to participate in SVMoA’s lecture series to speak to the value and richness of cross-cultural experiences. As a woman and a writer Cisneros beautifully explores the experience of being connected to both the US and to Mexico. There are so many members of our community and so many people in our country who share this relationship. We look forward to welcoming Cisneros to this community at this moment of growth and transition.
How do the three SVMoA spaces– The Museum, The Liberty Theatre, and the Hailey House and Classroom – each operate? What is each space’s function?
The Museum
Sun Valley Museum of Art is non-collecting museum that is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums (one of only five institutions in Idaho). SVMoA offers free admission and is open to the public throughout the year. Its downtown Ketchum location allows stop-by visitors as well as event and exhibition attendees to explore and experience art firsthand—both through visual art exhibitions and hands-on immersive education opportunities.
The Liberty Theatre
The former home of the Company of Fools, the historic The Liberty Theatre is centrally located on Main Street in Hailey, Idaho. The theatre is currently closed, awaiting some needed renovations.
The Hailey House and Classroom
The historic Hailey House, birthplace of American poet Ezra Pound, is open to visitors by appointment and during scheduled events. The house is frequently used to house visiting artists, teachers and musicians. The Hailey Classroom is open for adult, teen and youth classes and workshops during scheduled programs.
The museum is in the process of constructing a new building as well. How does SVMoA plan to use their new space?
Sun Valley Museum of Art needs expanded facilities. Currently we are not able to meet the community need for everything from classes to lectures to exhibition tours so we are actively seeking the right opportunity to build or renovate a new space. The community deserves to have a museum that can be a point of pride and meets the needs of today’s families and students as well as our growing and diverse community. As the cornerstone of Wood River Valley’s rich and diverse arts and culture scene, SVMoA is eager to develop a state-of-the-art facility that will engage more people on a deeper level, create more immersive experiences, and ensure accessibility for everyone in our community.
SVMoA operates as an arts education nonprofit. How can interested patrons support the arts?
SVMoA’s annual programs are supported in large part by its more than 1,200 members. When you join as a SVMoA member, you don’t just support your own arts experience; you support arts access for all. Your membership fee pays it forward so your fellow community members can experience the arts—the joy, the wonder, the inspiration, and the healing.
SVMoA’s annual Wine Auction welcomes friends, families, arts supporters, vintners and chefs to celebrate and support the arts each summer. The 2021 Wine Auction wrapped in mid-July and raised more than $1 million for arts education with the help of more than 350 attendees.
BIG IDEAS and major program support comes from memberships, individual donations, private foundations and public and private grants.
Regarding COVID-19, does the museum require guests to purchase tickets in advance online, or can visitors purchase tickets upon arrival?
SVMoA’s museum space is free and open to the public. SVMoA classes and events typically require advance registration and/or ticket purchase (as events can sell-out), but SVMoA will in general welcome walk-up attendees and participants if space allows.
At The Museum walk-in visitors are always welcome! If you’d like to learn more about the artwork in the exhibition, we invite families and small groups for private tours with The Museum’s curators. To schedule a tour please contact us at 208.726.9491 or at information@svmoa.org.
Looking for rockin’ back to school duds? Rockstar Originalis expanding womenswear pieces to include sizing from X-Small to 3X-Large! The plus size collection includes track sets, casual wear and activewear which is accented with the brand’s logo, and iconic embellishments thus remaining true to the brands ethos. The plus size pieces range from $39.00 to $89.00, won’t break the bank and are perfect for the end of Summer and beginning of the school year. Arrive for the first day of class feeling confident in trendy styles like the Gigi Short Set (which can be viewed below.)
ZAGG Gear4 Protective Gaming Console Cases
ZAGG Gear4 today announced a 360-degree protection bundle for the Nintendo Switch and Switch Lite gaming consoles. The Kita Grip 360 and Kita Grip 360 Lite cases, which are made with 52% renewable plant-based material, will be bundled with a ZAGG InvisibleShield screen protector for the ultimate gaming protection package. Gamers also get a smooth screen protector that preserves touchscreen sensitivity and guards the display against scratch damage, like from docking the console.
The slim, flexible Kita Grip case has been tested to protect the Switch from drops up to 10 feet/3 meters. The case is compatible with the Switch Classic docking system and allows access to the rear kickstand on the Switch Classic. It even includes an antimicrobial agent that inhibits the growth of odor-causing bacteria.
Skechers and digital creator and entrepreneurAvani Gregg (50M+ followers) just dropped Avani x Skechers, a new creative campaign for the sought-after Skechers Uno where Avani styles her number one fashion sneaker like no other. Avani curated the social content for the campaign, which reflects her personal style and love for bright colors. Available in brights including hot pink, blue, and red, making the perfect statement shoe to make any look pop, and classic colorways like white, black, sand, and olive, that go with any outfit.
The versatile trend-right Uno can be paired with a summer dress while also completing any athleisure look. The Skechers Uno has you covered for all-day wear thanks to its Air-Cooled Memory Foam® insole, while the hidden Wedge Fit design adds the perfect slight lift. Look and feel good this summer and fall as you get ready to head back to school! The Avani x Skechers styles featured in the campaign are available on Skecher’s website and retail for $80.
Fabletics’ July Collection
School is out for the Summer, but its never too soon to think about your back to school outfits. As we kick off the new month, Fabletics is sharing their July Collection. Fabletics is launching their first ever Hiking Capsule, which includes cargo shorts, onesies, skirts, jackets (and more!) These lifestyle pieces are versatile enough for every school day and extracurricular activity.
New styles are introduced in this collection and grounded in the brand’s beloved Motion365® fabric. It’s silky-smooth support, superior stretch and breathability make it a top pick when dressing for these hotter temps. Meet the Brianna Onesie– our first jumpsuit in this fabric- built with breathable mesh vents and secure pockets. And speaking of pockets- our Trinity ‘triple pocket’ design is back, better than ever and available in both leggings and shorts! For more complete Back to School outfits, our ‘Must Have’ July sets can be found here!
Mophie 3-in-1 stand for MagSafe Charger
Mophie today announced a new 3-in-1 stand for MagSafe Charger. Available exclusively in Apple stores, and on Apple and Zagg’s websites, the 3-in-1 stand for MagSafe Charger offers dedicated wireless charging spots for iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods/AirPods Pro. Just drop each device in its designated space and charging begins on contact. Install the Apple MagSafe Charger (not included), and you can easily charge all of your everyday accessories in one central location. The 3-in-1 stand for MagSafe Charger is priced at $89.95.
The Magsafe Charger features 15W Fast Wireless Charging, allowing users to wirelessly charge the iPhone 12 at the fastest speed possible. With the Integrated Apple Watch Magnetic Charger, your Apple Watch will be positioned at the ideal angle to take advantage of Nightstand Mode. The charger additionally has an AirPods Charging Spot that ensures charging begins on contact, every time. This charging spot allows for the perfect viewing angle in both Portrait or Landscape mode. For more information, visit HERE.
Rolls-Royce Escapism Luggage Collection
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars has added Black Badge editions to its Escapism Luggage Collection. The new luggage is designed to complement the darker, edgier personas of the marque’s Black Badge motor cars, which cater to patrons with a bold, confident, and uncompromising attitude to life. The five new pieces – 48hr Weekender, 24hr Weekender (see below image), Holdall, Tote Bag and Organizer Pouch – are handcrafted from the finest leather and soft canvas, together with a new material inspired by the unique technical-weave fabric first used in the interior of Cullinan Black Badge. Patrons can choose from colorways which include bold, eye-catching hues from the Black Badge color palette or more understated tones. Each item is finished with intricate contrast piping detail – a first for Rolls-Royce luggage, which clients can personalize if they wish – and a metal plaque bearing the Black Badge ‘Infinity’ lemniscate icon.
The Black Badge Escapism luggage collection can be ordered as a five-piece set or as individual items from Rolls-Royce dealers. These luggage pieces can also make for luxurious school bags, and are sure to impress on picture day. Prices for the five-piece set start from 22,075 GBP, excluding local taxes.
Raptic’s Portable Power Station – TITAN 225
Raptic’s Titan 225is the perfect power source for every student’s back to school needs. This portable, rechargeable power station is designed to provide long-lasting charge for all your devices. Students can study outside on campus grounds or do homework in their backyards, thanks to the mighty Titan 225. Additionally, this battery is compact enough to be effortless carried around in one’s backpack from class to class. 360 Magazine used our Titan 225 to charge our GoTrax Emerge Electric Bike.
Users can recharge their phone up to 20 times, laptop up to 5 times, and tablet up to 6 times. The battery also includes 3 USB hubs, 1 USBC, a lighter plug, and an AC plug. No matter how long homework takes you, Raptic’s technology solutions ensure that you can get the job done without losing power. For more info, please visit HERE.
GRIPBELL Free-Weight Pairs
Revolutionary free-weight company GRIPBELL is proud to announce it is now selling its weights as sets of pairs. These weight sets are perfect for PE classes at home during hybrid learning schedules, pre-season and sports training, and working out. Students looking to enhance their home gym and fitness regimen will find this targeted and affordable option the best way of providing an excellent, full body, at-home workout. Especially for college students in small dorm rooms, this compact exercise equipment is able to easily be stored and used for a variety of physical activities.
With its innovative design, GRIPBELL is the superior handheld free weight system. Hundreds of exercises are possible with nearly unlimited range of grip positions, making it the most versatile free-weight system on the market. As the weight is equally distributed throughout the device and there are no sharp edges, GRIPBELL is both ergonomic and family friendly, and allows users to perform all the movements of both dumbbells and kettlebells combined. For more information, please visit their website.
Skechers ×Kansaïyamamoto Collection
A celebration of high fashion and avant-garde imagery arrives at Skechers, The Comfort Technology Company™, in an exciting new footwear collaboration inspired by the late iconic Japanese designer Kansai Yamamoto. Each Max Cushioning Premier pair in the limited-edition collection provides exceptional comfort and support through lightweight, responsive ULTRA GO® cushioning platforms and Air-Cooled Goga Mat breathable insoles with high-rebound cushioning. The well-cushioned pairs are a tribute to Kansai’s affection for joyful fashion.
The limited edition Skechers x Kansaïyamamoto collection of four fashion sneakers for men and women embrace Kansai’s unique aesthetic and energetic style. Launching on the one-year anniversary of his passing, the collaboration provides an opportunity for fans across the world to honor Kansai’s legacy through the colorful designs. The collection of Max Cushioning Premier styles for men and women is now available on skechers.com, as well as at select Skechers flagship stores, and online at Skechers website.
Evesome Fall Winter 2021 2022 Collection
Evesome, the French boutique brand, features designs from Paris, produced by artisans with an eye for detail. This lavish company invites fashion and comfort into your life with their newest look book. Evesome features back to school essentials for students that are picture-perfect for photo day.
Show off your style with classy garments like berets, scarfs, kimonos, ponchos, shirts, and sweaters. For transporting supplies across campus, invest in one of Evesome‘s patterned totes. Evesome even has adorable dorm room decor, like cushy throw pillows. For more info, please visit their website.
Vontélle Eyewear × ViacomCBS Children’s Eyewear Line
Vontélle Eyewear, the black-woman-owned, luxury eyewear brand, is proud to announce a partnership with ViacomCBS Consumer Products for a children’s eyewear line centered around Nickelodeon’s beloved characters. Vontélle will create three to four new unique eyewear frames annually using characters from Nickelodeon shows like Baby Shark’s Big Show!,PAW Patrol, SpongeBob SquarePants, Rugrats, Teenage Mutant Turtles, and more
For this collaboration, Vontélle has created an exclusive set of frames specifically for kids that combines the classic Nickelodeon characters with their bold and vibrant styles. These frames are the perfect back-to-school swag for students. Vontélle X Nickelodeon eyewear line will be available December 2021 at retailers and online HERE.
The PANGAIA X HAROSHI BE@RBRICK Capsule
Looking for the perfect back-to-school drip? PANGAIA is pleased to announce a new partnership with renowned artist and skateboard enthusiast – Haroshi. As a skateboarder and self-taught woodworker, Haroshi creatively combines his two passions: fine art and subculture, utilizing upcycled skateboards as a medium for his hand carved sculptures. Each collaborative piece of Haroshi’s BE@RBRICK, created in partnership with the expert Karimoku woodworkers, is built from local Japanese maple wood that imitates the colorful layers of a skateboard deck. First released by MEDICOM TOY in 2019, it will now come to life across the range of PANGAIA X HAROSHI BE@RBRICK products through an assortment of adult and kids t-shirts, hoodies, and track pants.
The PANGAIA X HAROSHI BE@RBRICK capsule will be available to purchase today July 27, 2021 via the PANGAIA website and in Tokyo through 2G’s concept store that is jointly operated by MEDICOM TOY, Motofumi “Poggy” Kogi and NANZUKA. The new release furthers the brand’s dedication to working with communities, artists, and change makers that share the same values and mission as PANGAIA. Haroshi’s creativity, combined with his love for art and sustainability is perfectly aligned with the brand’s approach.
Team USA Surf Collection
To commemorate USA Surfing‘s first ever event at the Olympic Games in Tokyo, renowned marine life artist Wyland created a limited time commemorative USA Surf collection with a signature Octopus in his beautiful Japanese-influenced Gyotaku style. This lucky Octopus shows up throughout the collection. The Surf Tokyo hat is the perfect accessory to keep you cool during sunny afternoons by the sea. The Surf Tokyo shirt, which features illustrated dolphins, is the ideal beach-ready tee.
Look like an Olympian in this stylish surf apparel. Proceeds support the ocean conservation partnership between USA Surfing and the Wyland Foundation. Olympic gold medalist Carissa Moore supports these conservation efforts, and has created joint commemorative gear with Surfers for Conservation and the Wyland Foundation. Shop the joint surf collection HERE.
Old Trapper Original Beef & Cheese Snack Stick
Old Trapper’s Original Beef & Cheese Snack Sticks are the perfect back-to-school snack! Enjoy the best of both worlds because you get two tasty foods in one package– creamy American cheese and smoky beef. These hearty snack sticks are easy to throw into lunch boxes or quickly unwrap after a long day at school.
Old Trapper sets the standard for snacking utility with their delicious Beef & Cheese sticks. These snacks retail in convenient packs for just $21. Customers can choose between a one-time order, or a recurring snack subscription. For more info, visit Old Trapper’s website.
PUMA × TMC Collection – THE HUSSLE WAY | THE MIAMI STORY
To continue honoring the vision and legacy of Nipsey Hussle, PUMA and The Marathon Clothing are releasing their second collection of 2021 which represents THE HUSSLE WAY | THE MIAMI STORY. This series pays homage to select cities – the “MIAMI STORY” is the first in this series – and particular moments when famed fashion icon Groovey Lew collaborated with Nipsey Hussle to create unique, one-of-a-kind looks. The five-piece “MIAMI STORY” capsule collection draws inspiration from the multiple shades of blue in the majestic Miami water and includes co-branded shirts, blue pants, blue Bermuda shorts and an all-white PUMA x TMC Future Rider.
Retailing for $45-$90, the collection will be available on Puma’s website, at the PUMA NYC Flagship store, and at select retailers including The Marathon Clothing starting August 13. For more information, please visit HERE. On that website, users can view a video of Groovey Lew, who talks about his friendship with Nipsey Hussle, the meaning of the Hussle Way, inspiration behind the collection and more.
Rado x Great Gardens of the World Watches
Never be late for class again! When Rado announced their partnership with Grandi Giardini Italiani in 2017, it brought together the companies’ shared interest in design, beauty and nature at its best. Rado now extends its partnership with the Great Gardens of the Worldand brings to life three modern design timepieces with an essence of nature.
In full bloom, three new models celebrating exceptional design, eternal nature and futuristic materials, form part of the new line named Rado True x Great Gardens of the World. Each timepiece, or “chapter,” represents a stunning achievement of great subtlety and harmony, the glorious power of nature, and modern design. For more information, visit HERE.
MyMedic First Aid Essentials
Head into your next school year confident you’ve covered all your emergency bases with MyMedic’s conveniently compact safety kits for your car or backpack. Their MyFAK ultra-compact kit can store over 100 expert selected first aid items in only 7.5″ of space! It has everything you need to treat trail blisters, cuts and burns, blocked airways, broken bones, and more.
MyMedic’s MyFak first aid kit contains over 100 first aid and trauma supplies. The bag is easy to tote to school, thanks to it’s grab and go design and snag resistant zipper. The MyFak kit is MOLLE system compatible. MyMedic also offers the Solo First Aid Kit, which is more compact and lightweight. This portable kit is small enough fits in bookbags, but contains over 45 essential first aid supplies. For more info, please visit MyMedic’s website.
Doctor Plotka’s Mouth Watchers
Bacteria, viruses, and fungi. While we all know these bad guys lurk in our mouths causing bad breath and tooth decay, we often stop thinking about them as soon as the toothbrush has left our mouth. Unfortunately, these pesky microorganisms stick around on our brushes, doubling every 20 minutes when left in the warm moist environment of the bathroom
These pioneering toothbrushes are paving the way to a cleaner dental routine by using silver infused bristles to naturally eliminate 99% of bacteria, viruses, and fungi. When paired with their deep cleaning flossing bristles, you’ll enjoy that fresh from the dentist feeling every time you brush! For more info, visit HERE.
G-SHOCK’s All-New GA2200 Series
Casio announces the all-new GA2200 series, featuring three colorways designed for rugged toughness. The GA2200BB-1A, GA2200M-1A, and GA2200M-4A are equipped with heavy duty cases built with Carbon Core Guard Structures, a front button design and a three-tier construction that seamlessly integrates bezel, case back and buttons to slim the case down to a mere 12.8mm.
The GA2200 models also boast G-SHOCK’s features, including a Double LED super illuminator, 3-year battery life, 5 daily alarms (1 SNZ), world time, interchangeable bands and more. The GA2200BB-1A retails for $120, while the GA2200M-1A and GA2200M-4A retail for $130 each. Each model will be available in August at select G-SHOCK retailers, G-SHOCK Soho Store, and on G-SHOCK’s website.
Star Wars™ Fine Jewelry Friendship Collection
On August 6th, Star Wars™ Fine Jewelry will premiere the newest additions to the Friendship collection with pieces inspired by R2-D2™, the devoted lighthearted droid. The Friendship collection is designed with droid-distinct detail and iconic color cues. More information about the collection can be found on this website.
There are seven distinctive fine jewelry collections inspired by Star Wars, so every fan can connect with their favorite character’s journey, from R2-D2 to the Mandalorian™. Shop assortments that honor the light side or the dark side of the force. All pieces in all seven collections are beautifully crafted in gold or silver with diamonds and gemstones. Star Wars Fine Jewelry is an officially authorized fine jewelry collection crafted by Renaissance Global.
Quarto Kids Nonfiction Books
Still have some summer reading to do before the school year? Check out Quatro Kids’ selection of nonficntion titles for children. All of these texts will be coming out late this summer or early next fall. For more information on Quatro Kids, visit their website.
Inside Animals by Barbara Taylor and Margaux Carpentier
[64 pages; ages 4-8; $22.99/$27.99 CAN]
In this book, there are 21 cross-sections that show how skeletons, organs, nerves and muscles fit together inside creatures from across the globe. Animals can have some body parts in common with us humans, such as the brain, heart and lungs – but each creature has its own unique body to help it survive and thrive in the wild. This means that there are all kinds of weird and wonderful organs and senses in the animal kingdom, such as the honey stomach in a honeybee or the ink sac of an octopus. Prepare to be dazzled as you discover incredible information to wow your family and friends
Rescuing Titanic by Flora Delargy
[80 pages; ages 7-11; $22.99/$27.99 CAN]
This exquisitely illustrated story of quiet bravery tells in rich detail how the little ship Carpathia saved 705 passengers of the Titanic from the icy waters of the North Atlantic. Written and illustrated by debut Northern Irish artist Flora Delargy, whose grandfather and great grandfather both worked in the Belfast Shipyards where the Titanic was built.
When Plants Took Over the Planet
[64 pages; ages 7-11; $17.95/$25.95 CAN]
This large-format, highly illustrated book will guide readers through the key aspects of the life of plants, from early ferns which were most certainly munched on by dinosaurs, to carnivorous plants that snap and ‘attack’ their prey, or powerful medicinal plants that can heal ailments and boost health. This book also explores how humans use – and abuse – our precious plants, and how reliant we all are on the survival of our planet’s network of botanical life.
Work It, Girl: Rule the music scene like Queen Beyoncé Knowles by Caroline Moss and Sinem Erkas
[64 pages; ages 7-12; $15.99/$20.99 CAN]
Discover how Beyoncé became a superstar singer and entrepreneur in this true story of her life. Find out what makes Queen Bey tick, what inspires her, and what motivates her. Learn about her passion for activism–right up to date with her support for Black Lives Matter. Then, learn 10 key lessons from her work.
Roots of Fight’s Game Changers Gold Collection
Apparel brand Roots of Fight is honoring five extraordinary Olympians, including Jim Thorpe, Wilma Rudolph, Jesse Owens, Cassius Clay and Joe Frazier, as part of their Game Changers Gold Collection. These Gold medalists are Olympians who overcame setbacks, odds and prejudices with courage, heart and incredible self-belief.
All five of these American athletes shined on the world’s biggest stage. They were game changers and remain the gold standard. The Game Changers Gold Collection celebrates these icons with a range of apparel from t-shirts, to shorts, sweats and sweatshirts priced from $40 – $85 dollars, available HERE.
Casio’s A100WE-1AVT Timepiece
Casio America, Inc. is excited to announce the expansion of its popular Vintage collection with the A100WE-1AVT. Inspired by the F-100 digital timepiece, Casio’s first resin case model and originally released in 1978, the new A100WE-1AVT timepiece boasts a unisex design and stylish, retro gadget feel.
Although the new A100WE-1AVT is modeled after the original F-100 digital timepiece, its design was updated for this more modern version while retaining the distinctive four metallic front button design of the F-100. The new model comes in a stainless-steel band and a nickel-free plated case for a more refined look. Along with Casio’s signature metal elements, its band features a slide-type clasp that lets users easily adjust the band length without special tools. For more information, please visit HERE.
Isabelle Grace Jewelry
Just as layering is super trendy in the necklace department, having a strong wrist stack is also in style. Today’s fashionistas have discovered that you don’t need to stop there when exploring the possibilities of your bracelet collection. Be creative and intermingle different metals, materials and colors in developing your own personal style with Isabelle Grace Jewelry.
Isabelle Grace Jewelry’s new beaded bracelet collection features exquisite, handcrafted jewelry that’s sustainably made in the USA and of heirloom quality, and never goes out of style. Known for their beautiful distinct designs, each piece is created just for the wearer, perfect for an easy and effortless look that’s impactful, yet versatileenough to wear on a day-to-day basis. Isabelle Grace’s trendy and elegant jewelry are the most darling accessories for any student’s perfect back-to-school outfit.
Tenacious Toys Boo Berry GID Skull Dangler
Tenacious Toys is thrilled to continue their support of independent creators and manufacturers with a pair of exclusive releases at the end of this week which they are dubbing “INDY INSANITY”! This second drop this week is the Boo Berry GID Skull Dangler by Jonathan DuBose – a monstrous 8-inch-tall vinyl art toy designed and produced by DuBose Art. While the Skull Dangler is available in a rainbow of colors in the DuBoseArt shop, the GID Boo Berry colorway is a Tenacious Toys shop exclusive.
There are only 30 Boo Berry Skull Danglers made and they are priced at $140 each. Boo Berry Skull Danglers will be released on the Tenacious Toys homepage at noon EST on Friday August 13th. Each Boo Berry Skull Dangler will come with an exclusive sticker as well as a free enamel pin. Customers looking to create a super deluxe version can opt to head over to the DuBoseArt website shop to pick up a Clear Blue Ooze head to place on top of the Skull Dangler (must purchase Ooze Head separately). DuBose offers a selection of optional alternative heads which fit all Skull Danglers.
IVY PARK RODEO Collection
adidas and Beyoncé are returning to present the latest adidas x IVY PARK collection. Inspired by the inimitable style and undeniable influence of Black cowboys and cowgirls, the “IVY Park Rodeo” collection celebrates the formidable impact of Black men and women on American Western culture. The collection celebrates the oft-hidden history of Black pioneers within cowboy and cowgirl culture and their continued influence and impact on the American Rodeo.
IVY PARK Rodeo is where audacious design meets thoughtfully remixed classic streetwear and athletic wear fused with inspiration from the Black cowboy experience. The collection features 58 adult apparel styles, 5 adult footwear styles, and 13 different accessories. Boasting dark denim fabrics and washed heavy French terry materials throughout, the apparel and accessories are elevated with unique denim monograms and bold purple glow cow prints. Utilitarian-inspired zips and snap fastenings complete the details. The fourth IVY PARK collection launches exclusively on adidas’ website for 24 hours on August 19 and is followed by a wider global launch on August 20.
Champion × Naruto Capsule Collection
Champion Athleticwear has partnered with Naruto, a Japanese manga, to bring a unique capsule to market celebrating the story’s most well-known characters. Fans can shop the limited edition collection on August 13 at Champion (in-store and online).
The collection includes Reverse Weave hoodies and Heritage short sleeve tees for men, cropped Reverse Weave and Boyfriend Reverse Weave hoodies and heritage short sleeve tees for women, and hoodies and tees for kids. Plus, fans can go in any Champion store for an exclusive opportunity to customize their merchandise with hand-picked patches including characters Naruto Sage mode, Gaara, Shikamaru, Tsunade, Hashirama, Tobirama, Hiruzen and symbols Uzumaki Clan, Uchiha Clan, Akatsuki cloud, and Sharingan!
Rockstar Original’s Alaisa Jacket
Rockstar Original’s Alaisa jacket is the must-have wardrobe staple for Fall. The iconic puffer jacket for men comes in black ($199) and statement-making metallic royal blue ($209) and metallic red ($209). Staying true to the brand’s values of accessibility, the Alaisa starts at $199 in sizes Small to 3X-Large.
Designed to keep you warm and snug during the winter months, Rockstar Original’s bestseller in a matte fabric is made with a down alternative and includes a removable hoodie. This jacket is the perfect back-to-school coat to keep you warm throughout the upcoming, cooler months. For more info, visit HERE.
Hedon Helmets
Hedon Helmets, the manufacturer of the world’s most luxurious and stylish motorcycle, bicycle and e-bike helmets, issue a bold and refreshing retake on two wheeled culture. Whether you’re taking your e-bike to school, work, or just on an afternoon joy ride, Hedon Helmets keeps you safe on all of life’s adventures. Kids will be kids, so keep them safe while they play!
Created in 2011, founders Lindsay and Reginald set out ot completely rethink the protective headgear of the contemporary urban rider. Without compromising on safety they developed a style that is bold, refined and nostalgic, with comfort driving design above all else Their core belief is that when form and function work seamlessly together, style is effortless. Their dedication has led Hedon Helmets to become essential accessories for all discerning riders.
Casio’s A100WEPC Watch
Casio America, Inc. announced today the release of the A100WEPC, a collaboration model featuring the iconic PAC-MAN game that is popular around the world. The A100WEPC is based on the recent reissue of the F-100 digital watch, which was originally released in 1978.
The new A100WEPC watch is based on the recently released A100 watch, which reprises the design of the original F-100, including the unique four-button front layout. The styling is designed to evoke the fun, retro look of the PAC-MAN game. The watch face features colorful pixelated PAC-MAN and ghost characters, and the center ILLUMINATOR logo is rendered using the PAC font. The face design faithfully replicates the PAC-MAN game screen, down to details like the pink line marking the exit of the ghost nest from which the ghosts emerge. The gold-plated watch case is inspired by the color of the PAC-MAN arcade game cabinet. The top watch band is laser etched with a rendering of PAC-MAN being chased by ghosts, and the reverse scene with PAC-MAN chasing ghosts is rendered on the bottom band. The case back also features the PAC-MAN logo and icons. The watch comes with special packaging imprinted with PAC-MAN character icons and the game score screen, to deliver the full look of the PAC-MAN game.
Marc Jacobs’ Color Collection Pop Up
Westfield Century City’s newest pop-up, THE COLOR COLLECTION, an everyday capsule designed by Marc to celebrate comfort, creativity and self-expression, will debut just in time for the back to school and back to work shopping season. For a limited time, the Marc Jacobs Color Collection will be on display for guests to shop and browse. The pop-up will feature accessories and athleisure in vibrant matching hues and shades – featuring everything from everyday wardrobe essentials such as t-shirts, biker shorts, tote bags, to slides, all donning the iconic Marc Jacobs logo.
This apparel in this vibrant, striking collection makes for the ultimate back-to-school outfit or picture day photo-op. Free for all, Westfield Century City invites the public to visit the pop-up from August 15– October 31. The pop-up is located between the Jo Malone and Tesla retailers, on Level 1. For more information, please visit HERE.
KASK Helmets
Kask’s urban, Italian style helmets are ideal for bike enthusiasts and microtransit commuters. With the recent launch of their URBAN R and MOEBIUS helmets, bikers can stay safe and fashionable on the road. URBAN R features more than just beautiful aesthetics. With an integrated active ventilation system, URBAN R’s airflow is fully adjustable to suit the rider’s needs. A simple slide of the rear lever will open the helmet’s vent to allow comfortable cooling while the sun is shining. MOEBIUS features the all-new and KASK-exclusive ERGO FIT adjuster to ensure precise fit and comfort, even when riding on uneven terrain such as cobblestone streets. Complete with removable and washable padding, MOEBIUS provides optimum comfort for day-to-day wear.
The URBAN R helmet will go on sale in North America from the end of June, retailing at $249 USD (CPSC 1203 certified). The MOEBIUS helmet will go on sale in North America from the end of June (CPSC 1203 certified). It will retail at $149 USD. For more information, please visit HERE.
Humphreys Witch Hazel
Humphreys Witch Hazel is sustainably wild harvested to preserve its natural potency and distilled to capture its more pure, vital plant essence – not diluted and never polluted. Humphreys is proud to responsibly manufacture products and offer a vegan, cruelty-free skincare experience free of dyes, sulfates, parabens, gluten and phthalates.
Humphreys Witch Hazel offers three Organic Toners including Humphreys Clarify Pure Witch Hazel Organic Toner, Humphreys Calm & Clarify Witch Hazel with Lavender Organic Toner and Humphreys Soothe & Clarify Witch Hazel with Rose Organic Toner. Additionally, the brand offers four Alcohol-Free Toners including Humphreys Soothe Witch Hazel with Rose Alcohol-Free Toner, Humphreys Nourish Witch Hazel with Aloe Alcohol-Free Toner, Humphreys Refresh Witch Hazel with Cucumber Alcohol-Free Toner and Humphreys Recharge Witch Hazel with Grapefruit Alcohol-Free Toner. The full collection features botanical ingredients specially selected for the beautiful benefits they bring to senses and skin, always wild & free. Humphreys Witch Hazel is available at Walmart, Amazon and select Target stores.
Tonino Lamborghini Timepieces × BeauGeste Luxury Brands at Couture in Las Vegas
Tonino Lamborghini Timepieces and BeauGeste Luxury Brands, the Brand’s exclusive agent in the USA, will participate in the next edition of Couture in Las Vegas from August 24-26, 2021. Visitors will have the opportunity to view the newly redesigned Cuscinetto timepiece.
Held annually at the luxurious Wynn Resort, the Couture Show is one of the leading trade shows specializing in designer fine jewelry and luxury timepieces. In addition, BeauGeste Luxury Brands will exhibit Tonino Lamborghini watches in the “Krug” ballroom and showcase the entire collection to America’s elite top-tier buyers and the most recognized luxury consumer and trade media.
APERCU EYEWEAR – THE LAURENCE FRAME IN BLEU MARINE
Introducing the newest addition to Apercu’s bestselling silhouette: BLEU MARINE. The luxury sunglass brand has recently welcomed their newest, navy shades. This innovative colorway is an instant classic and proves to be the perfect mix of novelty and refinery. Bleu Marine shades are sure stun at any occasion this Fall.
Aercu’s mission is to create sophisticated, timeless sunglasses. As such, the company designed a 1970’s inspired silhouette that complements any outfit. A chic, navy hue was combined with the perfectly oversized, square shape to create the Laurence in Bleu Marine. The future is bright for students returning to school this fall. As such, these sunglasses are the ideal back-to-school style statement.
Fabletics × Liza Koshy Second Collection
Fabletics releases a new, limited-edition capsule collection with actress, producer and entertainer, Liza Koshy. Following the success of her first collection and based on customer demand, Liza is back to deliver her unique design perspective again. In her second activewear collaboration with Fabletics, Liza took inspiration from nature and urban utility for a collection that is bold yet versatile.
Designed in a variety of the brand’s high-tech fabrics and textures, like second-skin Seamless, contouring SculpKnit®, and PureLuxe in a new ultra-shine fabric for added texture, Liza’s collection goes beyond bras and leggings, sporting a wide variety of pieces including bodysuits, joggers, hoodies, and more. Grounded in a neutral pallete of powder lights, the collection features pops of colors and a psychedelic Haze Wave print throughout to reflect Liza’s energy and creative personality.
The Wale Collection x Kaz
Rapper and entrepreneur, Wale, has teamed up with Foot Lockerand Footaction to drop his second collection: “The Wale Collection x Kaz.” Designed with Kazeem “Kaz” Famuyide and in partnership with the WWE, the second collection is inspired by Wale’s love for the WWE and features T-shirts and hoodies from some of his favorite WWE Superstars from the ’80s.
Launching just in time for SummerSlam, the collection will be available exclusively at Foot Locker and Footaction starting today. This one-of-a-kind launch merges the world of music, sports, entertainment and fashion. Students looking for the most hip back-to-school apparel should check out this collection!
Skechers x kansaïyamamoto D’Lites Capsule
The second Skechers x kansaïyamamoto collection, inspired by the late Japanese designer, is set to drop on Saturday, August 21 at online and at select Skechers retail stores in North America and Japan, followed by the release of the limited-edition pairs in select European markets.
A celebration of avant-garde artistry, the Skechers x kansaïyamamoto D’Lites capsule honors the iconic Japanese designer’s use of color alongside Skechers’ signature silhouette and builds on the success of the initial launch on July 21. The global collaboration—years in the making—was one of the last influenced by acclaimed designer Kansai Yamamoto before he passed away and provides an opportunity for fans across the world to honor his legacy through the colorful designs.
Game Changers/Ground Breakers Collection
“The Brown Bomber,” Joe Louis, is boxing royalty. Furthermore, he is a national hero and unconquerable champion. Between 1937-1949, Louis stood as the world’s heavyweight champion. He wasn’t just loved, he was also s a serviceman during World War II, the embodiment of national pride. For generations of boxers since, he was the motivation to greatness. Now, Roots of Fight is creating a capsule inspired by this timeless icon.
As part of Roots of Fight‘s Game Changers Series, this new collection features an assortment of bright, stylish apparel. Tee-shirts inspired by historic legends will make you feel like you’re paving your own path to history. Wear shirts inspired by great leaders like Rey Mysterio, Rosa Parks, Julio Cesar Chavez, Joe Louis, Jesse Owens, Jackie Robinson, Roberto Clemente, and more. Celebrating standing up and speaking out with Game Changers new Ground Breakers collection featuring Joe Louis.
Spice of Life’s Bonfire Bluetooth Speaker
The Bonfire is a Bluetooth Speaker and flickering light all-in-one! “Pink noise” is a natural soothing rhythm in nature that comes from flames and/or bonfires. The Bonfire Bluetooth Speaker creates a form of “pink noise” and creates a calming ambiance! Its flickering light mimics a flame, while playing high-quality sounding music. Push once for a flicker or two for a full-like fire glow!
Use this speaker for a romantic outside dinner for two, a group bonfire on the beach, or to relax after school. The Bonfire Bluetooth Speaker will give you ambient lighting and quality sound anywhere you want to create a perfect setting! The small handle makes it easy to carry and hang anywhere! IP65 Certified (International Protection: recognized standard for classifying its water & dust resistance). Includes USB charging cable.
LumiCharge
The LUMICHARGE II LED is an all-in-one desk lamp. Its multi-functional features include a convenient place to charge your phone with a universal charging dock for all types of smart phones and the 10W Wireless Fast Charger charges two phones at once! Modernity, sophistication and overall minimalistic presence the LED lamp 2.0 version will steal the spotlight in any office, kitchen, bedroom or workspace!
There are 3 different hues (cool, warm and yellow), different levels of brightness, directional lighting, built-in-motion sensor that turn on when you enter a dark room and an anti-bacterial surface-important in today’s environment. This model includes an upgraded dimmable calendar display with daylight savings, date, temperature and calendar with alarm options. Lumicharge is available on this website, Amazon and Amazon Prime, and ShareSale.
LITA by Ciara
Ciara launched her new ready to wear fashion collection today – LITA by Ciara – the latest brand to join The House of LR&C. The new women’s ready-to-wear collection is built on the belief that Love Is The Answer (LITA) and is designed with Ciara’s signature tomboy chic and effortless style as the inspiration. The consciously created collection brings to life the notion that consumers shouldn’t have to choose between style and sustainability which is an integral part of the brand’s ethos.
LITA features prints that embody the spirit of the rare and beautiful black king cheetah, an ode to Ciara’s fashion identity. The collection includes an Armor Coat in Faux Fur Jersey, Lover Shirt Jacket in Lamb Papery, a 90’s inspired Varsity Tour Jacket and Leader Track Pant in Stretch Leather. The collection is now available online at The House of LR&C, as well as on Nordstrom’s website and at select Nordstrom stores.
BillionDollarArtGallery
Are you tired of having a big black tv staring back at you from the wall? What if you could have an art collection valued at over a billion dollars instead? Enrich your life through the beauty and emotional connection of your favorite works of art with the BillionDollarArtGallery.
The perfect gift idea for the person who has everything, the BillionDollarArtGallery is an ingenious way to put your tv to work showcasing an extensive collection of over 500 paintings that span the ages and the imagination. Featuring the world’s most famous and influential pieces in ultra-high definition, now you can experience the fine details your coffee table book could never capture. Each slimline memory stick comes enclosed in a beautiful laser-etched maple gift box for safe storage and easy gifting for the person who has everything! For more info, please visit Amazon.
Fabletics Menswear
School can be stressful and the last thing you need is having to pick out what to wear. The key to back to school outfits are having staple items that are comfortable, stylish, inexpensive, and versatile. Luckily, Fabletics has made is easy for you to look cool and trendy. These back to school essentials will have you covered for the entire year.
The Postgame Jogger: A softer than soft brushed fleece jogger, equipped with sweat-wicking and anti-stink tech. Designed with a tailored fit and the perfect amount of stretch, you’ll never want to take these off.
The Training Day Polo: Built for training but cool enough to wear beyond the tennis courts, this isn’t your basic polo. Sweat-wicking fabric keeps you dry during your sweatiest workouts while its versatile slim fit and ribbed collar take the look to a whole new level.
The Franchise Short: Our bestselling short is made from our most durable fabric that’s coated with sweat-wicking and anti-stink tech. Its multiple pockets (including bounce-free hidden storage for your phone) make this a top performing utility short.
Rockstar Original Faux Grill
Not a new trend, but an exciting one. As an expansion or expression to your personal style, Rockstar Original now offers faux grills in silver and gold. An affordable and unique way to add character to your outfit.
P.S.: Rumor has it that grillz and tooth gems are it right now, “In 2021, grillz and dental ornaments are having a rebirth, and this movement is being spearheaded by a cohort of avant-garde, experimental designers who are set on pushing the boundaries of dental jewelry into a whole new realm. Mandatory-mask-or-not, being stuck at home has revealed an insatiable appetite for getting our mouths blinged-out.”
MomRemedy Household Cleaner and Stain Removal
College dorm rooms aren’t very big and don’t have a ton of storage. A good multi-surface cleaner can help keep your dorm clean with an all-in-one formula. From crayon on the walls to pet stains on the upholstery, discover the only grab-and-go household cleaner you need for jobs big and small with MomRemedy!
Their eco-friendly Everything Household Cleaner & Stain Remover is the key to decluttering your cleaning cupboard while making your routine a breeze. Simply grab one bottle to tackle stains, dissolve grease, eradicate odors, and more without harmful chemicals or obnoxious scents. When you opt in to their Subscribe & Save feature, you’ll get a great deal on their 64oz refill to use with your new chic reusable glass bottle.
Features:
Made with just 4 ingredients
Uses the natural cleaning power of citrus and hydrogen peroxide against stains, spots, odors, dirt, grease, and grime
Safe for the entire home
No sulfates, phthalates, or parabens
No added dyes or fragrance
Naturally light lemon scent adds a touch of freshness to your space
Made in the USA
Includes 64oz refill and 16oz reusable glass bottle with silicone sleeve
Sold in Giant Food Stores near you
Eco Lips
Since introducing the very first organic lip balm in 2003, Eco Lips has helped make organics part of people’s lives. USDA Certified Organic and 100% edible formula made from food grade ingredients. This back-to-basics Pure & Simple lip balm line is packaged in our new Plant Pod® Innovation – the first 100% plastic-free plant tube. Offered in a variety of flavors including Coconut, Raspberry, and Vanilla. Delicious, pure and simple, and also great for kids.
Pure & Simple line: this back-to-basics Pure & Simple lip balm is made with just FOUR ingredients – sunflower oil, beeswax, Vitamin E and flavor. Certified organic and 100% edible – yes, you actually eat it!
This 9-pack features 3 Pure & Simple flavors: Raspberry, Coconut, Vanilla
See below for highlights from the panel as well as a link to view the interview in its entirety:
Pharrell Williams on how he thinks about philanthropy and what his goals are:
“When we think about the African diaspora and people of color and what people who are deemed ‘minorities’ – which we are actually not—but that’s just the saying. There are three pillars that affect us the most—disproportionate access to education, disproportionate access to healthcare, and also disproportionate access to legislation. I think the first two are the ones that I want to focus on because they’re the ones that I feel like I can, through my resources and even my likenesses whenever needed, that I can actually make a difference in education and healthcare. These are the things that hurt us the most.”
José Andrés on why he focuses on food insecurity:
“I am one more cook in the universe of people that feed people in America or around the world. But people like me, we only feed the few. I am in the power, when you began thinking, we can also be a part of feeding the many. And where we can join forces to the many around America, and around many places in the world, in the most difficult moments, to be able to bring solutions. For me, food is my way of doing it, but what we do is only a drop of water in an ocean of empathy. It requires a lot of props of empathy to make things happen. Obviously what I do is more focused on emergencies, I don’t like to see people in mayhem; people who, already in the good times forgotten, that are voiceless, that nobody takes care of. It’s even worse when a hurricane, an earthquake, an explosion of fire, a pandemic, hits their communities even further. That’s the moment that I feel the urgency of now being yesterday, and I love to bring my community and try to be nice to as many people as we can in these moments of mayhem. At the end of the day, one plate of food at a time won’t solve every problem but at least you buy time. And you give hope to people who need it the most.”
Pharrell on how he and Jose met and joined forces:
“Catherine Kimmel – the great connector – took me to an event. Here’s a guy that you really need to meet because, like you, he takes what it is he does and puts it to better usage and thinks about others… [at an event in New York] I was so impressed because there were so many chefs there but this guy – it was different. Yes, he’s a chef and he’s all about his ingredients and recipes, but his greatest meal was his operation and people and his ability to galvanize. It was really apparent that everyone was centered around him and all he wanted to do was feed people and bring people together and help people see that through our differences and our challenges are actually a lot of solutions and we can make the world a better place and I was really blown away… Then we met and we realized there were a lot of things he was doing that I could be instrumental in helping him.”
José on meeting Pharrell and what attracted him to Pharrell:
“I go and meet Pharrell and he’s even better, he’s the better half. What you get is a good vibe – it’s very difficult to describe. You know, you read about people, NBA players, amazing musicians and I’m not only looking for the amazing things they do, which I love, but what’s behind. When you see that behind is something very powerful that they’re putting at the service of others – their power, their money, their contacts but something even more powerful is their brain connecting with their empathy within their hearts… We wouldn’t be able to do what we do without people like them. Pharrell knows and more importantly loves his community. We were able to do it in Virginia Beach and be there because Pharrell opened to us the doors of being that community without being foreigners. We were able to partner with local people, with local restaurants.”
José on how his family impacted his values and his metaphor on life:
“My mom and dad always believed in longer tables, not higher ones. The table will always be ready for whoever showed up… My father would put me in charge of making the fire. I did that since I was young, and I would become very good at making the fire. But my father was very particular, and he would never let me near the chicken… [he would say] ‘My son I know you wanted to do the cooking, but actually doing the fire and controlling the fire is the most important thing, everyone wants to do the cooking without understand the fire. My son you already have the biggest gift. Control the fire, master the fire, and then you can do any cooking you want.’ (I don’t know if my father told me that story with that idea or I’m making it more romantic along the way as the years pass by). My father was giving me a mantra for life itself: find your fire, control your fire, master your fire, and then you can do any cooking you want in your life.”
Pharrell on his foundation YELLOW:
“For us, we want to even the odds. I know that I was a very lucky person who benefitted from my teachers seeing something in me. They didn’t know what they were telling me or which way the way to go but they kept telling me to keep going. I think that had a profound effect on me because essentially education is the toolbox that every human being is going to need out in the world just to function… What we wanted to do is look at a curriculum that could assess these children and figure out how they comprehend information best. Then eventually make a curriculum that is sensory based and not sensory biased. If you learn differently than how the curriculum is being taught, then automatically you’re deemed as remedial… with the YELLOW hub, it’s the space where kids can learn based on their way they process their information.”
Pharrell on the education system:
“I love public school teachers and you know, love the unions as well, but the education the educational system is antiquated. I mean just ask your favorite Fortune 500 CEO – they might not be the best, they might not be well read, but that does not stop their genius. And this is what we want. We want to make sure that we reach every child by properly assessing their learning potential and comprehension preferences, and making sure that they have a curriculum that is based for them. Sensory bias is an issue, but sensory based learning special educational systems is the future. That’s how every child slip through the cracks and we get to eventually even the odds.”
José on how the pandemic affected and influenced his philanthropy:
“I think this year has changed all of us profoundly… Fundamentally has changed me. First, obviously take care of your family. I tried to be a father who took care of his daughters and my wife and trying to keep them safe. Every mother and father tried to do that. But then I began thinking that to take care of my daughters, it’s not putting them behind walls, to take care of my daughters, is bringing down those walls and trying to work as hard to provide for the other daughters and sons of other people I don’t know that they are trying to achieve the same for their children. The way I’m going to keep my daughters safer is not behind walls but with longer tables, where I work as hard to provide for my daughters as I’m going to work to provide for the daughters I don’t know. Fundamentally this is what changed me.”
José on what people get wrong about philanthropy:
“Robert Egger, my favorite food fighter, he said that it seems philanthropy is usually about the redemption of the giver, when philanthropy essentially needs to be about the liberation of the receiver. It’s nothing wrong to give and donate time or money or your brain and feel good about it, but fundamentally in this pandemic, I learned that to give, it’s not good enough, that we must do good, yes, but we must do smart good.”
Pharrell on the changes he has noticed this year:
“Empathy is at an all-time low. It’s not where it needs to be. There’s a lot of sympathy and pity, but there’s not empathy. And we need more of that, we need more empathy, we need more humility, we need more gratitude. I think the pandemic, for me, has taken me to that place where that’s the only thing I can think about.”
The T&C Summit continues tomorrow (June 22, 2021 @ 12:30-1:30 PM EDT) with a panel between the power media couple Marlo Thomas and Phil Donahue. Register directly here.
Members of Congress Head Back to Ye Olde England for a Good Cause: Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Will on the Hill Fundraiser
Pay-what-you-will pricing benefits arts education programming
On Monday, June 7, Members of Congress and distinguished Washington influencers from both sides of the aisle will travel back to Shakespeare’s day for one evening only! This year’s Virtual Will on the Hill will be online with pay-what-you-will pricing that benefits Shakespeare Theatre Company’s education and community engagement programs. The event begins at 7 p.m. ET.
This year’s witty script Will on the Hill and Far Away—written by playwright, director, and actorNat Cassidy(Any Day Now, Old Familiar Faces) and directed by Senior Director of Engagement and Education Samantha Wyer Bello—follows a definitely-not-mad scientist who crashes a Congressional hearing held to determine what’s so great about Shakespeare’s works.
Some of DC’s favorite actors, including Felicia Curry (Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!)Yonatan Gebeyehu (Timon of Athens), Christopher Michael Richardson (Macbeth), Tom Story (Peter Pan and Wendy), Holly Twyford (Old Times) and Gregory Wooddell (The School for Lies) will join with members of Congress on the (virtual) stage for this outrageously funny fundraiser. Cameos include: Bianca Amato (Nöel Coward’s Private Lives), Tẹmídayọ Amay (School Girls; or, the African Mean Girls Play), Zoë Sophia Garcia (The Oresteia), Kimberly Gilbert (Marie Antoinette), Harry Hamlin (Mad Men, Law & Order), Patrick Page (All the Devils Are Here: How Shakespeare Invented the Villain, Hadestown), Tristan André Parks (The Amen Corner), Tony Roach (The Metromaniacs), Faran Tahir (Othello), Tracie Thoms (Rent, Falsettos), Craig Wallace (A Christmas Carol at Ford’s Theatre), Finn Wittrock (American Horror Story) and Jacob Yeh (Julius Caesar).
The illustrious cast will include Sen. Chris Coons (D-DE) and Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS), Rep. Kelly Armstrong (R-ND), Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA), Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-PA), Rep. André Carson (D-IN), Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA), Rep. Ted Deutch (D-FL), Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Rep. Andrew Garbarino (R-NY), Rep. French Hill (R-AR), Rep. Alan Lowenthal (D-CA), Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), Rep. Doris Matsui (D-CA), Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC), Rep. Dean Phillips (D-MN), Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-ME), Rep. Dina Titus (D-NV), Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-FL), Rep. Beth Van Duyne (R-TX), and Rep. Peter Welch (D-VT) are all confirmed to perform. Her Majesty’s Ambassador to the United States Dame Karen Pierce; Ian Liddell-Grainger, a Member of Parliament in the UK; Nury Turkel, who serves on the US Commission on International Religious Freedom; Founder and President of Americans for Tax Reform Grover Norquist; and longtime Will on the Hill supporters Marla Allard and Maggie Coons are also slated to join the performance. All cast members are subject to change.
Co-Chaired by Vincent Roberti and Karishma Page, Will on the Hill is an extraordinary fundraiser fostering bipartisan support for STC’s arts education programs, which reach nearly 20,000 students and teachers annually by providing workshops, teaching materials, and free/subsidized tickets and transportation to theatrical performances.
For additional information about Will on the Hill 2021, please visit Shakespeare Theatre.
SPONSORS:
Lead Sponsor: Intuit Inc.
Playwright Sponsors: ICF, Roberti Family Foundation for Civic Engagement
Good Vibrations – WonderWorks Myrtle Beach New Exhibit on EarthquakesNamed by Teachers during Teacher Appreciation Month
WonderWorks Myrtle Beach has an array of exhibits that help educate people about science. And its latest exhibit on earthquakes called Good Vibrations, opens May 28th. Good Vibrations will spotlight Tuckaleechee Caverns, and how they document seismic activity around the world. The new exhibit was a topic request from educators, so it seemed appropriate that they also name the exhibit. Teachers are invited to see this exhibit for free during WonderWorks Teacher Appreciation Month celebration.
“This new Earthquake exhibit offers a great opportunity to learn about plate tectonics and all seismic activity,” explains Robert Stinnett, general manager at WonderWorks Myrtle Beach. “We look forward to helping people shake things up and learn this type of science in a fun atmosphere.”
The Tuckaleechee Caverns are home to the most sensitive seismic station on Earth. It detects any and all tectonic movement anywhere in the world. If a country is testing a nuclear weapon or there is an earthquake, it has that information within seconds. Once it does, within 300ths of a millisecond, it relays that important information directly to the U.S. Military; Vienna, Austria; and Geneva, Switzerland. The information is collected 24/7 and is crucial to national security, as well as being able to provide earthquake information.
The exhibit, Good Vibrations will help share the importance of the Tuckaleechee Caverns and what they are doing in monitoring seismic activity. The information in the exhibit meets the educational standards on earthquake and seismic activity, and is one of WonderWorks’ many STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) related learning exhibits.
During the month of May 2021, teachers and all support staff can receive free admission to WonderWorks Myrtle Beach by showing a valid school ID or a pay stub upon entering. Additionally, up to four of their accompany guests can receive 50% off their admission price.
“Teachers are going to love learning about the caverns, and everyone who visits will have a great time,” added Stinnett. “Being able to learn and have fun all in the same place is a beautiful thing. We make it happen every day here at WonderWorks Myrtle Beach.”
WonderWorks Myrtle Beach STEM programs include the WonderWorks WonderKids event, virtual learning labs, ART-OLINA Young Artist’s Gallery of the Carolinas, science fair partnerships, online science worksheets, sensory days, group rates, birthday parties and a homeschool program. To learn more about the programs, visit the WonderWorks Myrtle Beach website.
WonderWorks Myrtle Beach has COVID-19 safety measures in place. They include reduced hours, enhanced cleaning, spatial distancing protocols, employee health screenings and employee personal protective equipment (PPE).
About WonderWorks
WonderWorks, a science-focused indoor amusement park, combines education and entertainment. With over 100 hands-on exhibits, there is something unique and challenging for guests of all ages. Feel the power of 84-mph hurricane-force winds in the Hurricane Shack. Make huge, life-sized bubbles in the Bubble Lab. Get the NASA treatment in our Astronaut Training Gyro and experience zero gravity. Nail it by lying on the death-defying Bed of Nails. Conquer your fear of heights on our indoor Glow-In-The-Dark Ropes Course. WonderWorks is open 365 days a year and hosts birthday parties and special events.
13 TIPS FOR HELPING BRIDGE THE DIGITAL DIVIDE FOR CHILDREN DURING COVID-19
While social, racial, and economic disparities have always existed within the educational system, the COVID-19 pandemic is exasperating these inequities and widening gaps between students at a drastic rate. For families who can’t afford home computers, laptops, or high-speed internet access, remote learning is nearly impossible, and for students who already found themselves struggling before the pandemic, the prospect of more than a year of lost classroom time is a devastating blow. However, there are steps parents can take to shrink this digital divide, and there are resources available via schools, non-profits, and government initiatives that can help children access the technological tools they need to succeed. Indeed, Dr. Pamela Hurst-Della Pietra, President and Founder of Children and Screens, notes that “the inclusion of 17.2 billion dollars for closing the ‘homework gap’ in the recently passed American Rescue Plan is a watershed moment for digital equity.”
Several of the leading figures in the fields of public health, education, psychology, and parenting have weighed in with their suggestions on the best ways to combat the digital divide, and many will participate in an interdisciplinary conversation and Q&A hosted by Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child Development on Wednesday, March 24, at 12pm ET via Zoom. Moderated by the Director of Internet and Technology Research at the Pew Research Center Lee Rainie, the panel will engage in an in-depth discussion about the digital divide and actionable steps we can all take to bridge the gap. RSVP here.
1. DON’T WAIT, ADVOCATE
While schools across the country are doing everything they can to make sure that children have access to the technology and connectivity they need for remote learning, the unfortunate reality is that many families still lack adequate resources. If your family is among them, says author and MIT Assistant Professor of Digital Media Justin Reich, know that you’re not alone and that there are steps you can take to advocate for what your children need. “Start with your school staff,” Reich recommends. “They’re often overwhelmed during this challenging time but be polite and persistent. If you run into a dead-end with your school system, consider reaching out to school libraries and youth organizations like The Boys and Girls Club or the YMCA to see what kind of support they might be able to offer.”
2. SCALE DOWN
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro Professor Dr. Wayne Journell agrees, pointing out that sometimes, despite their best efforts, teachers and administrators may not always know which students are struggling with connectivity issues. “Let teachers know if you have slow internet at home,” says Journell. “Sometimes detailed graphics and animations that look cute but have little relevance to the actual lessons being delivered can cause problems for students with unreliable internet. If teachers are aware, then they can scale down the ‘frilly’ stuff and still get the important content across.”
3. STAND UP FOR YOURSELF
While it’s important for parents to speak up on behalf of their children, RAND Senior Policy Researcher Julia Kaufman, Ph.D., highlights the importance of encouraging children to express their needs, as well. “If your child does not have access to technology at home and is falling behind, make sure your child’s teacher knows the obstacles they’re facing and ask what accommodations will make it easier for your child to do assignments offline,” says Rand. “At the same time, help your child feel comfortable expressing any technology concerns or confusion to their teachers, including cases where they have the technology but cannot use it well.”
4. CHECK YOUR ASSUMPTIONS
One critical step that educators and policymakers can take in addressing the digital divide is to check their assumptions. They cannot – and should not – assume that students do or do not have access based solely on demographics such as family income level. “In addition, they cannot assume that providing access alone creates equity,” adds Dr. Beth Holland, a Partner at The Learning Accelerator (TLA) and Digital Equity Advisor to the Consortium of School Networking (CoSN). “This is a complex and nuanced challenge that needs both a technical and a human solution to ensure that students not only have access to sufficient high-speed internet and devices but also accessible systems and structures to support their learning.”
5. SURVEY AND MODIFY
For teachers who are on the ground and in the classroom, checking your assumptions can be as simple as asking a few basic questions at the start of the term. “Survey students to determine the percentage of your population that doesn’t have home Internet access,” recommends former AAP President Dr. Colleen A. Kraft, MD, MBA, FAAP. “Once you know the divide, you can address it,” adding, “When planning 1:1 projects and choosing devices, for example, you can consider a device’s capacity for offline use. For those without Wi-Fi, a public library in the child’s neighborhood can also be an excellent resource.”
6. VOTE FOR CHANGE
That parents and teachers need to worry about the digital divide at all is a failure on the part of our elected leaders, says Bates College Associate Professor of Education Mara Casey Tieken. “Contact your elected officials—local, state, and federal—and complain,” she suggests. “Write letters, call their offices, attend their legislative sessions, and make your voice heard. Join with other families whose children are impacted by this divide to amplify your message and use your vote to support lawmakers who understand the impacts of this divide, have a clear plan to address it and are willing to take action.”
7. MAKE BROADBAND A UTILITY
Reich agrees, reminding those families who already have their needs met that they share in the responsibility to advocate for the less fortunate. “It’s our job as citizens to demand that we as a society give families and children the tools and resources that they need for remote learning now and in the future,” says Reich. “We need to advocate for a society where broadband is treated as a utility rather than a luxury good, and young people enrolled in schools and educational programs have access to computers for learning.”
8. CONCRETE INITIATIVES
Angela Siefer, Executive Director of the National Digital Inclusion Alliance, advocates four concrete initiatives. “Establish a permanent broadband benefit, increase access to affordable computers, digital literacy and technical support, improve broadband mapping (including residential cost data), and support local and state digital inclusion planning.” By implementing these changes, Siefer says, policymakers can start to mitigate the digital divide.
9. USE TECH FOR GOOD
There are many reasons to consider equitable solutions along a “digital continuum” rather than the “digital divide;” a binary description leaves less room for nuanced and customized interventions. It may be imperative to fortify existing institutions, implement new governance structures and promulgate policies to confront disparities regarding working families. Antwuan Wallace, Managing Director at National Innovation Service, suggests that legislators consider a Safety and Thriving framework to increase family efficacy to support children with protective factors against the “homework gap” by utilizing technology to train critical skills for executive functioning, including planning, working memory, and prioritization.
10. LEVEL THE FIELD
Emma Garcia of the Economic Policy Institute emphasizes that guided technology education will be of great value after the pandemic. She says, “it will need be instituted as part of a very broad agenda that uses well-designed diagnostic tests to know where children are and what they need (in terms of knowledge, socioemotional development, and wellbeing), ensures the right number of highly credentialed professionals to teach and support students, and offers an array of targeted investments that will address the adverse impacts of COVID-19 on children’s learning and development, especially for those who were most hit by the pandemic.”
11. APPLY FOR LIFELINE
Research also shows that the digital divide disproportionately affects Latino, Black, and Native American students, with the expensive price of internet access serving as one of the main obstacles to families in these communities. “Eligible parents can apply for the Lifeline Program, which is a federal program that can reduce their monthly phone and internet cost,” suggests Greenlining Institute fellow Gissela Moya. “Parents can also ask their child’s school to support them by providing hotspots and computer devices to ensure their child has the tools they need to succeed.”
12. GET INVOLVED
Learning remotely can be difficult for kids, even if they have access to all the technological tools they need. Research shows that parental encouragement is also an important aspect of learning for children, notes London School of Economics professor and author Sonia Livingstone. “Perhaps sit with them, and gently explain what’s required or work it out together.” She adds that working together is a great way that parents with fewer economic or digital resources can support their children. “And if you don’t know much about computers, your child can probably teach you something too!”
13. NO ONE SIZE FITS ALL
When it comes to encouraging your children, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. “Reflect on the more nuanced ways your children learn and leverage accessible resources (digital and non-digital) to inspire their continued curiosity,” says University of Redlands Assistant Professor Nicol Howard. Leaning into your child’s strengths and interests will help them make the most of this challenging time.
While the move to remote learning may seem like an insurmountable obstacle for families that can’t afford reliable internet or dedicated devices for their kids, there are a variety of ways that parents can help connect their children with the tools they need. For those privileged enough to already have access to the necessary physical resources, it’s important to remember that emotional support is also an essential piece of the puzzle when it comes to children’s educational success, especially during days as challenging as these. Lastly, it falls on all of us to use our time, energy, and voices to work towards a more just world where the educational playing field is level and all children have the same opportunity to thrive and succeed, regardless of their social, racial, or financial background.
About Children and Screens Since its inception in 2013, Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child Development, has become one of the nation’s leading non-profit organizations dedicated to advancing and supporting interdisciplinary scientific research, enhancing human capital in the field, informing and educating the public, and advocating for sound public policy for child health and wellness. For more information, visit Children and Screens website or contact by email here.
The views and opinions that are expressed in this article belong to the experts to whom they are attributed, and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Children and Screens: Institute of Digital Media and Child Development, or its staff.
How the Pandemic Opened Doors for Creative New Ways of Learning
When the pandemic shut down schools in 2020, parents were forced to pay closer attention to what their children were – or were not – learning, and to take a more active role in their students’ education. It made for an unwelcome disruption in everyone’s lives. But within this homelife upheaval, the disruption of school also provided an opportunity to re-evaluate how learning takes place, and what families can do to make things better, says Emily Greene, the author of School, Disrupted: Rediscovering the Joy of Learning in a Pandemic-Stricken World.
“We’ve gained a new perspective, and this is our chance to update our outdated education system for something better, to shift our mindsets, and to rekindle our children’s joy in learning from the inside out,” says Greene, who herself is a working mother of three children. “I think many of us are beginning to recognize and appreciate new ways of learning that do not necessarily conform to the traditional format of school.Outside of the school building, we’re seeing learning happen anytime, anywhere, with anyone, in formal and informal ways.”
But a question arises: If it’s time to rethink education in America, what is the way forward? For Greene, part of the answer involves simply setting aside outdated ideas about learning and embracing a new way of thinking about what school should be.
Parents don’t need to wait for the school board, teachers, or others to act. She says some steps they can take themselves include:
Unlearn outdated beliefs about school. The traditional model of education is over 100 years old, which means people need to unlearn it, Greene says. Among other things, school is viewed as a daytime activity in a brick-and-mortar building where children the same age learn the same things, and tests measure how well they’re doing. “Maybe we flip that,” Greene says, “so that we view learning as an anytime activity where kids of all ages have learning options, creative thinking is expected, and success is measured by curiosity rather than test scores,” Greene says unlearning has three steps. “First, we let go of status-quo beliefs that are no longer valid,” she says. “Second, we replace outdated thinking with a new mindset that could work better. Finally, we rebuild day-to-day life around a new way of thinking about school.”
Nurture curiosity. Children are naturally curious, but structured education doesn’t always allow them to follow their innate desires to know or learn something, Greene says. Parents can help nurture curiosity by asking children questions about what interests them, she says. Parents should also be sure to listen to their children and elicit questions from them rather than jump in with advice, opinions, and answers. “I remind parents that curiosity is innate. All children are naturally drawn to things they find interesting,” Greene says. “With practice, kids can learn to activate their curiosity to transform everyday learning into a more joyful experience.”
Encourage creativity. Schools don’t kill creativity, but the conformity required at school does smother it, “leaving it gasping for air,” Greene says. “Creativity is stifled by standardization, evaluation, and pressure to conform to the structure of the school system,” she says. Interestingly enough, the pandemic helped show children the importance of creativity and innovation, she says. “They saw stores and restaurants adapt to changing conditions by offering curbside pickup and social distancing,” Greene says. “Many kids watched their parents adapt to a new way of remote working. These things make an impression, showing children that creativity enables us to adapt and solve real problems.”
“Through this pandemic, we have all suffered, but we also have learned so much,” Greene says. “The disruption of school gives us the perspective needed to make a lasting difference in the way our children learn. What a waste it would be to just settle back into our old ways.”
About Emily Greene
Emily Greene is the author of School, Disrupted: Rediscovering the Joy of Learning in a Pandemic-Stricken World in which she shares her experience educating her children inside and outside of traditional schools. She developed the Kiddovate program, working with hundreds of teachers and students. She also is co-founder ofVIVA Creative, where she and her team create live and digital experiences. When the pandemic shut down the event industry, Greene co-led VIVA in rethinking how to bring people together in a global pandemic. In 2020, she received an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of The Year® award recognizing innovation during adversity.
The COVID-19 pandemic forced students, teachers, and parents to change their ways of doing things almost overnight as schools closed and learning went online. The situation left everyone scrambling – and often grumbling about the limited learning taking place under this hasty reinvention of how schools operate.
But, despite all the downsides, could this moment of school upheaval also be an opportunity to transform the nation’s education system into something better?
In her new book, School, Disrupted: Rediscovering the Joy of Learning in a Pandemic-Stricken World, author Emily Greene makes the case for just such a transformation as she shares her experiences with her three children and explores ways to encourage curiosity and creativity to create to a radical change in how we approach teaching and learning.
Greene writes: “It often takes a seismic disruption to change the way things have always been done. Before the pandemic, I jokingly said that it would take a cataclysmic world event, like an alien invasion, to truly disrupt education. While I could have never predicted this worldwide pandemic, its absolute disruption of school will change education forever and be studied in the history books for generations to come.”
In this book, readers will learn:
How to unlearn the current education system, setting the stage for replacing its outdated methods with creative new ideas that can work better.
Why it’s important to embrace the forgotten wonder of unscheduled time, when children can do what they like free from the constraints of school or outside planned activities.
How to cultivate children’s natural curiosity, which can lead to limitless opportunities for learning.
Why hands-on activities, such as drawing a picture or baking a pie, are critical supplements to the learning that takes place through reading a book or staring at words on a screen.
How to help your children follow their heart and find purpose and passion in the world.
About Emily Greene
Emily Greene is author of School, Disrupted: Rediscovering the Joy of Learning in a Pandemic-Stricken World in which she shares her experience educating her children inside and outside of traditional schools. She developed the Kiddovate program, working with hundreds of teachers and students. She also is cofounder ofVIVA Creative, where she and her team create live and digital experiences. When the pandemic shut down the event industry, Greene co-led VIVA in rethinking how to bring people together in a global pandemic. In 2020, she received an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® award recognizing innovation during adversity.
General Information
Title:School, Disrupted: Rediscovering the Joy of Learning in a Pandemic-Stricken World
