In late April, the Pittsburgh Public School District released recommendations by the East Region Advisory Committee for changes to Peabody and Westinghouse high schools. The changes would not go into effect until the 2011-2012 school year and have yet to be approved by the school board.

“In making this recommendation the East Region Advisory Committee paid particular attention to the issues of academic instruction, student support, declining enrollment and facilities utilization,” said Derrick Lopez, assistant superintendent, secondary schools. “After multiple working sessions and community input the committee feels this recommendation best meets the needs of East End families.”

Diabetes education

JUNE 2—UPMC Passavant will host a Diabetes Education Series from 1-3:30 p.m. at 9100 Babcock Blvd., McCandless. The series will teach individuals and loved ones how to manage the disease with techniques suggested by the American Diabetes Association. Attendees will learn how to administer insulin and medication, monitoring blood glucose and proper diets and exercise regimens. Registration is requested. For more information, call 412-367-6887.

The Courier recently found that the number of new Black police recruits is declining. We asked Pittsburgher what they felt could reverse this trend. Here’s what you said:

“Start early with young people, say in middle school, making them more aware of the importance of careers in that area and preparing themselves earlier on; learning about them and finding people who could mentor them so that they can ultimately become one of the positive people on the police force.”
Shirley Biggs
Highland Park
Emeritus Faculty, Pitt

Shirley Biggs, Roger Green, Michelle Biggs

Billed as “the biggest show of the year,” the “Rip the Runway Fashion Show” and the “T.I. Welcome Home Party” ended up being more of a rip-off, according to attendees.

The May 22 show held at the Monroeville Convention Center was to feature clothing from T.I.’s new clothing line, Akoo, in addition to other urban wear by Argyle Culture, Coogi, Apple Bottom, Pastries and Rocawear.

VIP?—Those with VIP tickets got to see the rapper T.I. at a distance and fans tried to get photos and talk to him.

Local artists, including the dance group, District 78; Mano y Mano; Black and Gold Boys; Undalords; Lady Homi; Boaz; Streetz; Clark Kent: Kid Klash; Quizzle the Cannon; Waan Santiago and Danielle Yvonne, performed as models strutted across the cat walk. However, T.I. never performed and didn’t show up until after midnight. The show was billed to be from 9-11 p.m.