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The Chain Reaction: Building Positive Momentum at Mark Twain Jr. High

  • Feb 11
  • 2 min read

Month in Review: Momentum & Connection

January at Mark Twain Jr. High was about starting the semester with the right energy. whether it was the "vibes" of Brotherhood Friday or the strategy of our workshops, the focus was on building connections and creating positive momentum for the months ahead.

Brotherhood Friday: Pizza, PS5, and Connection

Breaking the ice: Brothers interview each other during a high-energy mixer to build connections.
Breaking the ice: Brothers interview each other during a high-energy mixer to build connections.

Brotherhood Friday was a whole vibe! We kicked things off with pizza and a high-energy icebreaker. Brothers moved around the room asking questions and learning something new about one another—a simple way to spark laughs and strengthen the community. After the icebreaker, we kept the momentum going with board games and the PS5. Brothers were engaged and having fun in a positive space. Overall, it was a solid mix of bonding and brotherhood, and the energy in the room was strong from start to finish.

Life Skills: Chain Reaction Corners

Students display their action steps—"Make a Plan," "Get Help," and "Check It Out"—demonstrating how small choices lead to big progress.
Students display their action steps—"Make a Plan," "Get Help," and "Check It Out"—demonstrating how small choices lead to big progress.

This week, our Brothers played Chain Reaction Corners—a high-energy game that teaches how real progress happens through small actions. We gave a scenario (like missing assignments), and Brothers moved to a corner for their next step: CHECK IT, DO IT NOW, GET HELP, or MAKE A PLAN. Each round, they worked as a team to build a full “Success Chain” from stuck → back on track. The takeaway? One good move leads to the next, and consistency is built step-by-step.

Academic Achievement: Brother Ryan

Brother Ryan
Brother Ryan

The Consistent Achiever This semester, Ryan Yo is showing up with focus and steady effort—and it’s reflected in his grades. Ryan is currently earning:

  • A in Language Arts (93.7%)

  • A in Physical Education (94.4%)

  • A in Resource Specialist (92.3%)

Ryan is also maintaining solid progress in Math (82.5%) and Science (81.4%). We are currently supporting him in U.S. History, where he has a clear opportunity to raise his grade by staying on top of assignments. We’re proud of Ryan’s momentum!

Brother of the Month

Brother Kayden.

Brother Kayden

7th Grade

Kayden consistently shows his dedication through his actions, not just his words. He shows up for programming, contributes thoughtful feedback, and locks in during Study Hall. Kayden stays focused and asks questions when he needs support. With this level of consistency, we know he will only continue to grow. Congratulations, Kayden!

Program Directory & Schedules

Program Manager: Sha'Lena Evans

Phone: 916-595-4381

Mark Twain Jr. High School

Programming & Study Hall: Mondays & Wednesdays


HEAD OFFICE: 1901 Royal Oaks Dr, Sacramento, CA 95815

STOCKTON OFFICE: 6731 Herndon Place Stockton, CA 95219

501(c)(3) Registered Charity: 46-2981774

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NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY
While Improve Your Tomorrow (IYT) is dedicated to empowering boys and young men of color, our programs are open to and serve youth of all races and backgrounds. In accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, IYT does not exclude, deny benefits to, or discriminate against any individual on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, or national origin

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