In considering the naming of our school - we should also consider a symbol which represents our student, staff and parental community. I would like to suggest we look at the Adinkra symbols of ancient Africa, I have included several symbols below, along with their meaning, and also the website where you can find a more complete listing of the symbols. The meaning of each symbol is a powerful statement in and of itself of our educational movement. As for the legal considerations of using these symbols, I'm only an English teacher. :-) http://www.mycustomstationery.com/resources/adinkra/ Faithfulness, Alertness, Dutifulness Agyinduwura Democracy, Unity in Diversity Nyansapo - Wisdom Knot, representing Wisdom, Ingenuity, Intelligence, Patience Fawohudie - Freedom & Liberty Ananse Ntontan Wisdom, Creativity Aya - The Fern Defiance, Endurance, Resourcefulness Boa Me Na Me Boa Wo Which literally means Help Me to Help You Interdependence, Cooperation Concealment, Humility and Strength, Wisdom and Learning Knowledge - symbol literally means: He who does not know can know from Learning Gina Porretta-Baker English Teacher School of Imaging and Information Technology at Edison 324-9794 ext. 3260 "We have a powerful potential in our youth, and we must have the courage to change old ideas and practices so that we may direct their power toward good ends." ~ Mary McLeod Bethune ________________________________ From: regional_school-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:regional_school-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Yvonne M. Villareale Sent: Wednesday, April 01, 2009 12:03 PM To: regional_school@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: [regional_school] Re: We Need to Name the School Like the name. Our School.......However, a few year's back the private school named just that "Our School" closed their doors. Their old website is still up and running although their phone number no longer works ( http://www.ourschoolrochester.org/ <http://www.ourschoolrochester.org/> ). Wondering, could that be a possible "branding" confusion? Yvonne Villareale At 11:41 AM 4/1/2009, you wrote:  Great points offered, and thanks for thoughtful input on my suggestion. As stated, that was just a 2-bit name to start the ball rolling toward great names to inspire genuine learning success for all who come. While I value your reasons why my 2-bits wouldn't work for you -- cannot wait to see the wonders that you think will inspire the best from any who come:-). If each of us tosses in an offering we think could create a quality prototype, the best one will emerge quite quickly. Love Jeanne Gray's community notion of OUR SCHOOL - and look forward to many offerings that will excite a new kind of opportunity for all learners:-) and possibily even inspire the rest of us. Best, Ellen Ellen Weber (PhD) Director - MITA International Brain Based Center PO Box 347, Pittsford, NY 14534 MITA Brain Leaders and learners blog: www.Brainleadersandlearners.com MITA Brain Based Center Web Site at www.mitaleadership.com ----- Original Message ----- From: Ellen Weber <mailto:eweber1@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> To: regional_school@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Sent: Wednesday, April 01, 2009 10:48 AM Subject: [regional_school] Re: We Need to Name the School Others will likely have far better ideas but here's my 2-bits:-) THE SMART SCHOOL Why so? Every student who enters - brings an amazing brain to class and can learn as well as offer incredible insights from their past knowledge and experiences. Great schools have all learners leave even smarter than they came! Not an easy task - if one recognizes their genuine intelligence from the start. Yet a task a smart school can both recognize their smarts and inspire their potential at the peaks:-) Nuff said:-) Will be fun to see the great names that pop up for this special venture. Ellen Ellen Weber (PhD) Director - MITA International Brain Based Center PO Box 347, Pittsford, NY 14534 MITA Brain Leaders and learners blog: www.Brainleadersandlearners.com MITA Brain Based Center Web Site at www.mitaleadership.com ----- Original Message ----- From: William Cala <mailto:wcala9@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> To: regional <mailto:regional_school@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> Sent: Wednesday, April 01, 2009 10:19 AM Subject: [regional_school] We Need to Name the School For many reasons that some of you have pointed out to me (such as grant writing, the message we wish to convey etc.) it is important that we name the regional school. Doing so will solidify the concept in the Greater Rochester area. The name will translate our vision to the community. Yesterday, Keith Rankin (regional school planning member) and I sat down at Edison to discuss the issue. I want to take the time to thank Keith for his help and prodding. So.... the task...... I'd like to have an e-mail brainstorming session. Keeping in mind the belief statement (attached), please share your thoughts about a name. The name should (could) be: Easy to remember Easy to spell Has a desired message (either obvious or subtle) Be creative. Take a chance. Share your thoughts! This is brainstorming......There are no bad ideas. Thanks! Bill