Last year, we celebrated some ofthehighest achievementswithinMatteson School District 162’s150 year history. Academicachievement is at an all timehigh while suspensions are atan all time low. Last school

year, we celebrated record high ISATscores at Huth and Sauk, while Arcadiabrought home the Blue Ribbon Award.(Go Arcadia Bears!!) This year, Indianais poised for record growth. Students,teachers and administrators are focusedlike never before. We have a lot to beproud of.

MattesonSchoolDistrict 162 is numberone in the state as it relates to academicachievement on the Illinois StateAchievement Test (ISAT) with its currentdemographics (over 80%AfricanAmerican/ over 55% poverty rate). This certainly isa time for celebration…

Nowthatwe’ve celebratedour successes,it is time to take it to the next level. For thepast five years, Inner Vision International,Inc. has partneredwithHuthMiddle, Indiana

and Sauk elementary schools. Twice aweek,our highlymotivated consultants implementa number of character educationworkshops.Workshop topics include, but are not limitedto: Self Concept/Self Esteem, BuildingPositive Relationships, Time Management,Power of Words, Conflict Resolution, HopeandGoalSetting. Allworkshops aredesignedto motivate students toward their maximumacademic and social achievements.

Eachyear I amblessedandamazedby thequality of individuals we are able to recruit tojoinour team. This year is no exception. I amexcited about our dynamic teamofmotivatededucational consultants. Week after week,our Visionaries present character educationworkshops that challenge students’ thinking.Ourworkshops are designed to equip studentswith life management skills that will ensuretheir success beyond college. As I listento my team present to your children, Iknow within my heart that I would wantthe same message presented in the sameway to my own children.

In an effort to reflect our student

From The Desk of Dwayne Bryant,CEO of Inner Vision International, Incwww.dbryant.com

Happy New Year!!! ““BBeeffoorree YYoouu

CCaann CChhaannggee

YYoouurr WWoorrlldd......

YYoouu MMuusstt

CChhaannggee YYoouurr

VViissiioonn!!””

InsideIntramurals...............2

What’s New..............3

Credo Winners.........4

The Vision................6

ISAT Winners............8

Dad’s Day..................8

Meet the Visionaries................9

Sample Curriculum.............11

““FFoorr ttoommoorrrrooww bbeelloonnggss ttoo tthhee ppeeooppllee wwhhoo pprreeppaarree ffoorr iitt ttooddaayy..”” African Proverb

Continue on pg 10Guest speaker, Jason Reynolds

For the past few years, Mr. Joneswanted to infuse some excitementafter school by developing anintramurals sport program atHuth.Inner Vision partnered with O.W.Huth and began developing inter-active games and competitions for

students who wanted to participate. Spear-heading the effort wasMr.Matthews fromHuthand Derrick Young and Randall Townsell, fromInner Vision. Each week, students compete in anassortment of organized games, including FloorHockey, Basketball, and Softball, Dodgeball,Double Dutch and other team sports. Studentsunderstand that in order to participate, they

i n t r a m u r a l s

must display qualities of leadership, good sports-manship, character and integrity. Inner Vision’sVisionaries stay after school in order to challengesome of the Huth Knights. Not only are theintramurals a great way for students to have a safeplace after school, they are also a great way forstudents to bond with adult leaders in a non-academic environmentwhichdevelops a mutual levelof respect. Thank you,Mr. Jones for yourIntramural Vision.

The Lady Knights of Distinctionwas bornof the desire to give thefemale students at O. W. HuthMiddle School the opportunityto learn (in a small group set-

ting) what it means to grow and matureas a young woman. BrendaCalvin, Dean of Studentshad this vision and reachedout to the Inner Visionteam to make it a reality.Themission of the program

is to empower the youngladies of Huth with theknowledge, skills and con-fidence tobe successful inanysocial setting. In an effort tomeet the mission of Lady

Knights, partof the femalevisionary teamwhichincludes,Ms. Berg, Mrs.Reyes and Ms.Smithhave andwill continueto introduce topics such as:poise, communication, per-

sonal style/grooming, dining and socialskills. It is our hope that each weekwhen the ladies attend their sessions,they walk away with more confidenceand faith in themselves to be successfulin any setting. The LadyKnights of Dis-

tinction programmeets once aweek afterschool.Tuesdays arededicated to7thgradegirls and Thursdays are dedicated to 8thgrade girls. Currently, there is a com-bined total of approximately 30 girls thathave participated in the program.

LLaaddyy KKnniigghhttss ooff DDiissttiinnccttiioonn

Men of Honor &LLaaddiieess ooff DDiissttiinnccttiioonn

Since Inner Vision International sees potential in all the students in Matteson SchoolDistrict 162, we couldn’t offer special programming only to the students of Huth. Inorder to make sure the students at Sauk and Indiana were receiving additional time todevelop leadership skills, Inner Vision International developed Men of Honor/Ladiesof Distinction. Students meet with the Visionaries weekly to discuss the key qualities of

a leader and how to stand out from the crowd. The small group sessions allow time for students totalk about the difficulties of being a leader amongst their peers, at home, and in their communities.Men of Honor/Ladies of Distinction create a relationship of trust between the Visionaries and studentsthat gives the students the freedom to ask hard questions and the Visionaries the opportunity tochallenge the students to become exceptional leaders.

he students of Sauk Elementary,IndianaElementary andHuthMiddle

school did an OUTSTANDING jobduring the credo competition this year.

During the first week of Inner VisionCharacter Education workshops, students

were encouraged to memorize and lead the classin reciting the credo. Each successful studentwas awarded a $25.00 gift certificate to Targetor Best Buy.

The Credo is a statement of belief developedby Inner Vision International. Before each session,students recite the credo with their peers. TheCredo challenges each student to become excellentin all things and to see themselves as a Vision-ary. By empowering them to take control of theirpresent and future, the Credo provides each stu-dent with the opportunity to powerfully declare thefuture they desire to create.

In 2008, 11 students rose to the challenge.In 2009, the students went above and beyond;73 students accepted the challenge and succeeded!

CONGRATULATIONS to the students whoare on the road to becoming a Visionary!

TTTTDiamond Price-WrightSauk 4th Grade

Chrystopher AllisonSauk 4th Grade

Kimberly TanSauk 4th Grade

Aaron MadgettSauk 5th Grade

Alyssa AvingerSauk 5th Grade

Aricka Wright Sauk 5th Grade

Asia WrightSauk 5th Grade

Christina ThompsonSauk 5th Grade

D'Anna HayesSauk 5th Grade

Dave BaldivinoSauk 5th Grade

Dazjhanique HarrisSauk 5th Grade

Isaiah ThomasSauk 5th Grade

John LongSauk 5th Grade

Lemar HawkinsSauk 5th Grade

London ShumpertSauk 5th Grade

Phoenyx GoosbySauk 5th Grade

Maya DentSauk 5th Grade

Ryan JohnsonSauk 5th Grade

Schuyler Lewis Sauk 5th Grade

Cydney HarstonSauk 6th Grade

Aaron HuttonSauk 6th Grade

Marcus BrownSauk 6th Grade

Ashley HoodHuth 8th Grade

Balcari WadeHuth 8th Grade

Nicole JimersonSauk 6th Grade

Brianna WallerHuth 8th Grade

Ricky Owens Sauk 6th Grade

Ryan Gross Sauk 6th Grade

Adam FulcherHuth 7th Grade

Chaz MilliganHuth 7th Grade

China BucknerHuth 7th Grade

Ermahn Oduro-KwartenHuth 7th Grade

Martese JacksonHuth 7th Grade

Nathaniel KnightonHuth 7th Grade

Semara JohnsonHuth 7th Grade

Sophia LamHuth 7th Grade

Brittney HenleyHuth 8th Grade

Cameron EarleyHuth 8th Grade

Chanel BrownHuth 8th Grade

Corey EllisHuth 8th Grade

Dante BarnesHuth 8th Grade

Deana ColemanHuth 8th Grade

Jada CarrHuth 8th Grade

Jadah McIntoshHuth 8th Grade

Karlito RichardsonHuth 8th Grade

Khiara BooneHuth 8th Grade

Latanya GardnerHuth 8th Grade

Lauren HeltonHuth 8th Grade

Michael IloegbunamHuth 8th Grade

Michelle SandersHuth 8th Grade

Tremaine LedbetterHuth 8th Grade

Caturah CauseyIndiana 6th Grade

Joseph StoneIndiana 6th Grade

Kiara JordanIndiana 6th Grade

Chima NdukweIndiana 6th Grade

Delvin HayesIndiana 6th Grade

Majestic LeeIndiana 6th Grade

Mariah DanielsIndiana 6th Grade

Anthony CalveyIndiana 6th Grade

Michelle MooreIndiana 5th Grade

Derrionah SpraggsIndiana 6th Grade

Dwayne CooperIndiana 6th Grade

Michareen LayneIndiana 6th Grade

Ollie SmithIndiana 6th Grade

Alyse ChildressIndiana 4th Grade

Malik MooreIndiana 4th Grade

Michaela WelchIndiana 4th Grade

Taylor WhiteheadIndiana 4th Grade

Chioma IloegbunamIndiana 5th Grade

Darriana GreerIndiana 5th Grade

Demi DickersonIndiana 5th Grade

Ebere OgwoIndiana 5th Grade

Rashard BlakemoreIndiana 6th Grade

CChhaarraacctteerr EEdduuccaattiioonn CCrreeddoo

We are Visionaries.We prepare for our future.

We take pride in our school.We ARE positive leaders.

We are people of integrity.We respect ourselves and all people.

We love ourselves and our heritage.We make wise choices.We make no excuses.

We are accountable for our actions.We will not succumb to failure.

We will have a positive impact on the world.We are our brother’s and our sister’s keepers.

We are: Matteson School District 162

and Excellence is what WE BELIEVE!

CChhaarraacctteerr EEdduuccaattiioonn CCrreeddoo

ISAT Winners

Excitement greeted Dwayne Bryant and theVisionaries at the kick off assemblies in.The cheers officially marked the 5th year ofInner Vision’s Character Education andLeadershipDevelopment inMatteson School

District 162. The 2009 school year ended with out-standing accomplishments asMattesonSchool District162 gained the highest academic achievement withinthehistory of thedistrict including aBlueRibbonAwardand ISAT composite scores of 82%. Attaining theserecognitions has paved the road for even greater per-formance in 2010. A new goal of 90% has been set bySuperintendent, Dr. Blondean Davis. Our visionarieswill work hard alongside staff and administration toaccomplish this goal by providing a variety of life man-agement skills workshops. Our ultimate goal is increas-ing students’ self-esteem and enhancing overall schoolclimate.

In order to reward academic achievement, InnerVision International awarded 24 of the highest ISATscore winners at Huth, Indiana and Sauk with a $50.The students roared with elation as Mr. Bryant pulledout a stack of fifty dollar bills. Whoops and hollerserupted from the faculty and students as he boomedoverthemicrophone the names of the studentswhowon thechallenge for Huth, Indiana and Sauk. The studentswalked with pride as they came forward to accept theircertificate and feel the50dollar bill in their hands. InnerVision knows the competition will be fierce for 2010.

ISAT Winners

Huth 7th Grade left to right:Tiffany Montgomery, ShelbyWashington,

Jarel Robinson, GrantWilliams

Huth 8th Grade left to right: Marcus Love, Devin Howard, Henry Sissac,Kia Taylor, Sydney Pickens, Correne Knox

Indiana 5th Grade left to right:Joshua Randle El, Ebere Ogwo

Indiana 6th Grade left to right:ChristianWilliams, Nicole Dixon

Sauk 5th Grade left to right:Melah Lofton, Dave Baldivino

Sauk 6th Grade left to right:Nick Johnson,TashaunaYates

Dad’s day was more successful than ever!Indiana doubled its number of participantsfor Dad’s Day. Parents and guardiansshared powerful and inspiring messages toIndiana’s Wildcats. Students sat attentive

as Indiana’s group of distinguished gentlemen sharedtheir life’s experiences. There were many serious mo-

ments, yet the overall themewas overwhelming support,unconditional love, and pride in one’s self.

Sauk’s Dads came out in full force with over 170fathers, grandfathers, uncles and big brothers all onone accord: To celebrate and encourage the SaukEaglestowards high academic and social achievement. Themorning began with breakfast, followed by a dynamicpresentation to the fathers. Dwayne Bryant, alongwith Randall Townsell discussed the current state ofaffairs in urban America. Various statistics and inter-active media were used to facilitate the workshop.Dads left with a sense of empowerment and a clearunderstanding that their role within the family andcommunity is vital. Prior to the endof the day, themenof Sauk recognized the need for their involvement andcommitted tomeeting quarterly in order to volunteerquality time within the school. One thing is forsure…there will be powerful developments coming outof Sauk and Indiana Elementary School.

Dad’s DayDad’s Day

Kelly Fair isthe Founderand President ofthe ReflectionsFoundation, anon-profit thatseeks to assist

individuals in recognizing andachieving their true potential inlife—educational and professionaladvancement, mastery in applica-tion of critical life skills, and or-ganization and business growth.The Reflections Foundation ful-fills this mission through directprogramming for individuals(specifically youth and women)and structured support of variousorganizations (non-profits, com-munity, faith-based, and privatesector businesses). Ms. Fair is alsoa graduate of Howard Universityand holds amaster’s degree from theUniversity of Iowa. As an activemember of theChicago community,Kelly serves as a member of the ad-vocacy council of Women Em-ployed, Inc., the MetropolitanBoard of the Chicago UrbanLeague, Las Caras Lindas GirlsMentoring Program Board, andpreviously the Christ UniversalTemple Board of Directors. As amanager at McGraw-Hill, Kellyimplemented launch campaigns forinnovative literacy programs as wellas implemented training forChicagoPublic School research studies.

EverettGutierrezattended LoyolaU n i v e r s i t y ,where he was thefirst recipient of adegree in Public

Relations/ Advertising with adouble bachelors’ degree in Orga-nizational Leadership and Devel-opment. Currently, he attendsNorth Park University, where heis perusing a double master’s de-gree in Nonprofit Management

and Seminary. He has a hugepassion for leadership, publicspeaking and community organ-izing, as he has been noted for hiswork in the city. Everett has re-ceived an award from the mayoras well as other organizations forhis dedication of service andguidance to various communities.He has an inner desire to developand mentor future leaders to cre-ate change in society, as he has anarray of experiences. Everett hasworked to develop programs forvarious organizations highlight-ing marketing strategies, youthleadership development pro-grams, fundraising, event plan-ning, management and service.Currently, he serves as a visionarywith Inner Vision International toshare knowledge and build youth torealize their divine potential.

JuanitaReyeswas the first inher family tograduate fromcollege. Shegraduated from

the Moody Bible Institute in 2005with a BA in PrintMediaCommu-nications. She later went on to earnherMaster's Degree fromColumbiaCollege Chicago in Journalism.Since then she has worked forCNN Worldwide at the AtlantaHeadquarters as a Video Journalist.Also she has worked for numerousmentoring programs in Chicagowith inner city youth. She is pas-sionate about life andmaking a dif-ference in the lives of young people.

Derrick C.Youngis a charactereducation con-sultant, personaltrainer and pro-

fessional health coach. Since1990, Derrick has mentored,coached and trained individualson a wide range of personal devel-opment topics. Derrick’s experi-ences playing football at theUniversity of Illinois and as a topsalesman for the IBM Corpora-tion, Johnson and Johnson, andWells Fargo instilled in him a pas-sion for breaking through per-sonal barriers. The valuablelessons of perseverance and self-discipline that Derrick learnedduring those experiences drovehim to want help others removetheir roadblocks toward personalgrowth and success.

Derrick began working withyouth in 1990. Derrick’s passionfor youth development lead tohim establishing a fitness-basedcharacter education companythrough which he has improvedthe lives of thousands of youthsthroughout the Chicago land area.Derrick’s philosophy is success isa journey of self-improvementand conditioning.

LaTrice A.SmithPrior to workingwith Inner VisionInternational,LaTrice A. Smithworked with the

Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago(BGCC) for more than sevenyears. She began her tenure atthe Robert Taylor Club, whereshe developed monthly TeenSummits to allow members theplatform to utilize their voices.LaTrice also served as the Pro-gram Director for the Englewood

High School Club and Site Direc-tor for the Fiske Elementary SchoolClub. In her most recent role, Ms.Smith was the Director of ProgramServices for BGCC, where sheoversaw the implementation ofprograms grounded in social andcharacter development for 24 tra-ditional and school based clubsacross the city of Chicago, serv-ing 17,000 young people duringthe after school hours.

LaTrice received her Bache-lors in Social Work and she volun-teered for one year at a group homefor adolescent boys in Staten Is-land, NY. She then went on toobtain her Masters of SocialWork from New York University.LaTrice returned to Chicago topursue a career working withyouth in a diverse setting. InnerVision International gives La-Trice the opportunity to workwith and on behalf of America’schildren.

MariaBryant,Founder andDirector ofOlivia’s Per-forming Arts,LLC relocatedto Chicago,

Illinois in 2006. She has a pas-sion for working with the youth.She has taught Music for a total often and half years in the publicschool system of: Matteson SchoolDistrict 162,Department of Educa-tion New York, Brooklyn/ QueensBorough and Florida (Orange,Broward and Miami-Dade coun-ties) to include: The Boys & GirlsClub, Community Organizations,

Our, consultants were chosen based on theirexperience motivating youth and their uniquebackgrounds. All of our consultants are welleducated and have a passion for your children.

Continue on pg 10

Nursing&RehabilitativeCenters andChurches.Whileworking in the school system, she founded“Olivia’s Performing Arts” in 1995. OPA, LLCis a fun energetic program that develops ages 3-19in the Expressive and Creative Arts. The pro-gram helps to motivate, educate, build self- es-teemand challenge individuals to reach their fullpotential. Maria believes so many people havenot developed their individual treasures, becausethey are afraid to believe and live their dreams.OPA, LLC allows Maria to give back what shehas learned through the years. She inspires herstudents to becomeaudacious individuals becausethis is what hermomMartha “Olivia” Bryant hasinstilled in her children.

Maria is also an anointed inspirationalrecording artist who writes her own lyrics. Hergifts and talents allowedher to travelmanyplacesincluding: Europe, Germany (North Seas),Switzerland, France, Italy, Belize, Cozumel, Aca-pulco, Costa Rica, Panama, as well as domestictravel in the United States. She has performedwith such notable celebrities as Vickie Winans,MarilynMcCoo&BillyWilliams Jr., Dennis Ed-ward&TheTemptations Preview, Tommy Ford,JimmieReid andRayHushof theHushBrothers.This songbird’smusical repertoire includesGospel(her first love), Opera, Broadway, Classical, Mo-town, R & B, Hip Hop, Jazz and Blues.

Randall Townselhasover15 years of experience as areal estate professional andbusiness owner. Throughouthis tenure, Randall has ac-quired, managed and soldover $15M in both residen-

tial and commercial real estate. In addition, Mr.Townsel takes pride inworkingwith student-ath-letes. Mr. Townsel has over 15 years of coachingexperience. Recently, Mr. Townsel foundedTurbo Athletics a company created to train andenhance student-athletes performance in varioussports. After graduating from Northern IllinoisUniversity, Mr. Townsel spent four years as mar-keting consultant and presenter for the IBMCorporation. He represented the company atmany trade shows andwas selected as the keynotespeaker for various IBM marketing events.

Mr. Townsel dedicates his time to workingwith Chicago’s youth and motivating others.He partnered with Probation Challenge, acommunity based not-for-profit organization,to speak to Cook County Jail inmates abouttransforming their lives and situations fromnegative to positive. Mr. Townsel assistedwith the coordination of the first African

American youth conference in Chicago. Mr.Townsel has participated in Chicago PublicSchools (CPS) Principal for a Day programand Career Day programs at various CPSschools. Mr. Townsel has had the opportunityto speak to and motivate numerous students,as a Visionary for Inner Vision International.Mr. Townsel considers it a “Blessing” to workwith God’s children and to do his part withmaking some ones life better.

Autumn Berg has an ex-tensive background workingwith young people and theirfamilies. She started runningsummer camps for youth as aJunior in High School andhas remained committed to

cultivating the lives of young people. Throughteaching, serving as Lead Case Manager forNational Able ServiceConnector andTrainingCoordinator for the Workforce InvestmentAct,shehas experience indeveloping and implement-ing programs that help individuals and familiesto advance toward their goals. Autumn isdedicated to supporting a healthy communityand serves as Vice President for the DouglasPark Advisory Council. Autumn Berg holdstwo bachelor degrees in Urban TheologicalStudies and Sociology. She will be startingthe Masters of Social work program atChicago State in the fall.

Bishop I.D. Harris Sr.was ordained by the Monu-ment of Faith EvangelisticChurch In 1975. ApostleHarris completed aBachelorsandMasters inTheology anda Doctorate of Ministry InChristianEducation.He also

holds a Masters Degree in Political & CriminalJustice and an achievedminor in the area of Sub-stance abuse from Governor State University. InkeepingwithActs 2:42,ApostleHarris hasmadeit his personalministry ofworship, fellowship, ed-ucation and outreach and applies this to his pas-sion for positively guiding the lives of our youth.

Bishop Harris began his civil service in theUSArmy (VietnamVeteran) and continues hisoutreach27 years laterwith InnerVision andDis-trict 162 as a visionary, mentor and substituteteacher. His professional career has includedworkingwith foster care, casemanagement, radioministry, public policy and health education, aswell as probation andparole agent.He is currentlypasturing at Rehoboth Evangelistic Church inOlympia Fields.

population, I have diversified my teamof educational consultants, affectionatelyknown as ‘Visionaries’. Regardless oftheir ethnicities, all of our Visionaries arepassionate about your children and wereready on day one to motivate, educateand inspire your children to reach theirmaximum potential.

Webelieve that by positively impactinga student’s self esteem, that student in turnwill take their academicsmore seriously. Wehelp students understand that TODAY isthe future. If we want powerful, intelligent,caring, respectful, courageous adult leaders,thenwemust instill thosevalues anddevelopthose principles today. Success is not anaccident, neither is failure. They both areachieved with consistent thoughts, beliefs,words and actions. For our students, regard-less of their backgrounds or family structures,failure must not and cannot be an option.

Parents, now, more than ever before,WE NEED YOU! If we (Matteson SD162) are to achieve greater academic results,the differencewill bemade at home. Whenwe implemented our time managementworkshop, several students stated theyspend more time playing video games,watching television, talking on the phoneand playing with friends than actuallystudying. This is not acceptable for thetype of leaders we need. We have to giveour children a fighting chance at success.In order for them to excel in college or evenhigh school, they must begin to get seriousabout their academics. China and India areemerging as leading economic powers. IfAmerica is going to regain its competitivefooting within the global market, we muststart with our children.

We are passionate about motivatingyouth to excel. Thanks to the support ofDr. Blondean Davis and Matteson SD162’s Board of Education, we successfullymentor nearly 1,500 students each weekwithin the district. This newsletter is ourendeavor to highlight our dynamic men-toring program entitled, ‘The Vision’™.We hope you will find it enjoyable. Let’smake this year even greater than the past!

From the Desk...Cont’d from pg 1

For more information log onto: www.inner-vision-international.com or www.dbryant.com or call 1-866-551-5585