Ms. Marquita Newsome
Parent, School District of Beloit
September 2024 - This is My Perspective: I Absolutely Choose the School District of Beloit for my Children
Note: On Wednesday, August 29, Marquita delivered a powerful speech to the entire staff of the School District of Beloit, culminating in a standing ovation from the audience. We were so moved by her inspiring words that we asked for permission to share her speech on our website and social media platforms. Marquita graciously agreed, and we are thrilled to share her impactful message with our community.
Get to Know Me and My Family
My name is Marquita Newsome. I am a lifelong Beloiter and a proud Beloit Memorial High School graduate, Class of 2002. My husband, Jason Newsome, and I have been married for 18 years, and have six children together. Our youngest daughter, Korrin, is two years old. She is a Head Start student, busy painting, reading, and coloring as we speak. She has aspirations of being a Hackett Hawk someday and takes zipping her own zippers very seriously.
Our son Karl, who is five years old, is overjoyed to join his big brother at Hackett this year as a kindergartener. He is a real-life ninja with three years of Head Start under his belt. His big brother De’Sean, who is eight years old, a seasoned Hackett Hawk and expert Roblox builder, plans to show his little brother the ropes. I overheard their discussion about watching for cars when they walk home together after school and the importance of being safe. I’m not ready, but I see that they are.
Our daughter Kay’Lynn, age 11, transitions from elementary school to Fruzen Middle School, where she will ride the bus for the first time and be at school without any of her siblings for the first time. She is an artist who loves to draw and chef in the kitchen, where she believes there is no such thing as too much cheese. Kay’Lynn is confident, curious, and ready to make new friends this year. She will.
Finally,
I have two Beloit Memorial High Schoolers this year. Christopher is 14 and a freshman, and his big brother Jason is 16 and a junior. They both play football for the BMHS Purple Knights. Christopher gets excellent grades, makes friends quickly, and enjoys school. He says he will be rich one day and travel worldwide. I believe him. Jason is dutiful in his work, respectful, charismatic, and funny. Our firstborn states he would like to continue to pursue welding certificates and explore woodworking this year. He will find success in any path he chooses to follow. It has been a privilege and an honor to be their mother. I am grateful that the School District of Beloit has worked with my husband and me to prepare our large family for the future.
Above and Beyond: How SDB Staff Ensure Safety, Support, and Community Connection
Time after time, I have witnessed faculty go above and beyond in our schools. The consistency of having those familiar faces of staff at the doors of the school buildings, at the office front desks, and at crosswalks before and after school makes me think that my children are being closely observed and kept safe when they are not with me. There have been times my children have come home with a backpack of food when needed, which requires additional steps to identify the individual needs of families and follow through to ensure the food makes it to my table efficiently and discretely. I often receive email and text alerts about community events, reminders, workshops, family-friendly parties, and even free classes being offered that could help me become a better parent – this has helped me with time management and planning. This also allows me access to resources in the community I have not been informed of otherwise.
Supportive Advocacy: How SDB Teachers Go the Extra Mile for Students and Families
Student advocacy is apparent at times when my children have fallen behind - I receive an email, a call, or a text message from their teacher outside of scheduled conference time alerting me of the concern, a thorough description of the plan to catch up and additional resources and tools I can use to practice with my child at home like worksheets, online applications, and flashcards. I also appreciate the school's support in providing winter gear such as coats, boots, and gloves when my children were in need – they grow so fast! This care for my children's well-being is another way the school has stepped in and bridged that gap for us many times. Teachers send weekly emails highlighting what my child is learning and due dates so that after dinner, I feel empowered and informed to ask, “Did you finish your rough draft of your 50-point assignment that is due Friday?” as opposed to reaching in the dark to ask “do you have homework?”
Exemplary Commitment: From Inclusive Fitness to Accessible Support
I have witnessed a commitment to physical fitness and inclusion. Staff have made gym shoes available for students to borrow should they forget theirs at home to fully participate. My children have a home library thanks to all the age-appropriate books gifted to us. This is especially useful when school is not in session. Staff are so accessible! Anytime my children have a question, suggestion, or concern, seamless communication on Google Classroom has been our go-to. Staff is responsive and prompt in replying with feedback and answers – where was this when I was in school? I had to wait and ask my teacher on Monday. The principals can rarely be found in their offices but are most often matriculating around the building or having a one-on-one conversation in the hallway with a student – I’m starting to wonder if they ever sit – as I have not seen it.
Heartfelt Dedication: The Exceptional Care and Creativity of School District of Beloit Staff
I could go on and on with examples of times I have witnessed School District of Beloit staff offering themselves, comforting a crying child, de-escalating a frightened parent, and taking students outside to have class on the grass to enjoy the fresh air and sunlight for a change of learning environment. You guys are made of the good stuff. Creativity, critical thinking, and a commitment to excellence are the terms that come to mind when I think of the principals, teachers, counselors, and other support staff I have worked with in our district over the years. Even the custodians are kind.
And Here we are Again. Ready to Embark on the 2024-2025 School Year
Everyone in this room should be proud of themselves. You could have chosen to be anywhere in the world, but you chose to be here with me, in this room, today, and I thank you for that. Please continue to challenge and inspire our young learners. You are the selfless mentors, coaches, volunteers, and beloved teachers. As a parent, I could not fulfill the duties of my high calling if you weren’t so darn good at performing yours.
The kids are growing up fast! It won’t be long before we all rely on them to support us. So, while it is yet day, let us continue to work together for the betterment of our schools and our community. Teachers - please get your hands on the parent volunteer list. A new list is generated each school year. We have been background-checked, and we are eager and available to you. Use us at your leisure. I will share a quote from the obituary of one of my favorite educators, the late Dave Luebke, and it reads: “You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late” Ralph Waldo Emerson.
