<p>Janice and Leo Frame teach completely different subjects and their classrooms, located at opposite ends of the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School building, tell the story.</p> <p>Mrs. Frame’s walls are covered in student artwork. Mr. Frame’s business classroom is clean, white and gray, and neatly organized. Both the Frames teach elective courses: art and business.</p>
Janice and Leo Frame teach completely different subjects and their classrooms, located at opposite ends of the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School building, tell the story.
Mrs. Frame’s walls are covered in student artwork. Piles of oil and acrylic paints, sketches, magazines and student portfolios overcrowd table surfaces. Two bookcases haphazardly shelve every National Geographic since the 1960s. During a recent interview, three girls sat on tables nearby, chatting, singing and braiding each other’s hair.
Mr. Frame’s business classroom is clean, white and gray, and neatly organized. During a reporter’s visit to his classroom, a young man typed quietly on the class computer, waiting for Mr. Frame to accompany him to a job interview. Both the Frames teach elective courses: art and business. It’s what they studied in college, where they met almost five decades ago. But their impact stretches far beyond the classroom to their tireless work mentoring students and empowering them to find their own voices through leadership and the creative process.
Janice Frame ran an afternoon art club and advised the Seabreezes magazine.
Janice Frame ran an afternoon art club and advised the Seabreezes magazine.
Janice and Leo Frame will both retire this year.
And inside the corridors of the regional high school, there is general agreement that they will be missed.
“They are adored by kids, so whatever they brought to the table, the kids wanted to consume immediately,” said Tony Lombardi, another retiring teacher, who has worked closely with the Frames and says they always went out of their way to help students express themselves.
Mrs. Frame’s legacy is the passion for the creative process she has instilled in her students, and the evidence — artwork from years past hangs all over her house. She describes her classroom as a safe haven and a sanctuary for students, especially the kids who don’t learn easily in a traditional classroom. Each year, she has three or four students who rely on her as a mentor. “They come here and they just tell her everything, and ask for advice,“ Mr. Frame says. She also runs the Tuesday afternoon art club, and advises the award-winning Seabreezes magazine.
Mrs. Frame worked as an art teacher at the West Tisbury school for 15 years, before coming to the regional high school in 2000. She teaches drawing and painting, I and II, and advanced painting and drawing. An active visual artist herself, she considers her style classical. She also teaches at the college level.
Leo Frame began the Young Brothers to Men mentorship program.
Leo Frame began the Young Brothers to Men mentorship program.
In 1985, Mrs. Frame made the move to Martha’s Vineyard from Atlanta, Ga., out of concern for her children’s safety. At the time, the Atlanta serial child murders were still going on and her children were afraid to play outside their home. She’d been coming to the Island for summers, and knew it was safe here. “I asked her, where are you going?” Mr. Frame recalled. “You can’t earn a living on Martha’s Vineyard, that’s a tourist place, I said. She said, watch me, and she did, she showed me.”
Soon after, Mr. Frame came to join his family on the Island, leaving a job at an investment bank to become manager of the Flying Horses Carousel in Oak Bluffs.
When he first taught at the high school, one of the only teachers of color, he recalled there was a culture of “subconscious stereotyping” at the high school. “I tried to not just end it, but to create a culture of acceptance,” he said, noting the help he received from Mrs. Frame, Marge Harris and Lynn Ditchfield, two other teachers at the school, as well as the administration.
In 1992, the high school multicultural club was born. In an event that took place over the course of five days, the club brought representatives from different cultures to the Island to hold workshops for students. One particular event made him pay more attention to the students of color. At the time, the coach of the football team had organized a fundraiser where the players would be auctioned off to other students as slaves. They’d carry their books, and sports equipment, basically do whatever they wanted. “The individual did not understand the cultural sensitivity of what they were doing,” Mr. Frame said. Some of the players approached Mr. Frame, almost in tears, saying, “I’m not going to be anybody’s slave and I don’t think anybody else should either,” he recalled.
As soon as the principal was made aware of the situation, the fundraiser was halted, but the experience got Mr. Frame thinking about how he could continue to be a resource for these young men. In 1992, his son Oman came up with the idea behind the Young Brothers to Men mentorship program, which would help minority students find their voices at school. The Young Brothers members were originally ethnic minority students, but in 2000, majority students wanted to become involved. The group, which now counts 60 members, became a space where students could share any discrimination they might have been experiencing at school.
“I told them, before you say anything you might regret, come and see me, before you throw a punch at anybody come and see me. I put them in a position of, if you will, power, because they didn’t have to fight back,” he said. “They felt like they were then being listened to, and a lot of the negative racial problems that may have existed more prevalently at that time were diminished.”
In his retirement, Mr. Frame will continue to run the group, which organizes food drives for Thanksgiving and invites role models to come and speak to the students about their experiences in high school and beyond. The high school students also serve as mentors to elementary school students. Each Young Brother wears a stole made of kente cloth around their neck when they graduate.
And if you go looking for Mrs. Frame next year, chances are you will find her painting and drawing in her basement studio in Edgartown. She’s also planning to pursue a degree in art therapy.
Looking back, she says teaching was the most challenging and rewarding career she could have chosen. “There is nothing more powerful than seeing a student grow,” she said.
Comments
What a terrific contribution
David Grain Sarasota FLWhat a terrific contribution by both Janice and Leo to the community. They have made a significant impact on the youth of Martha's Vineyard (and beyond) and will surely be missed. We can only hope there will be followers in their footsteps.
Janice and Leo are shining
Naina Williams McLean, VA and Oak Bluffs, MAJanice and Leo are shining examples of how good teachers can positively impact the lives of their students. Thank you and congratulations to both of them for the many years they have given of themselves to help mold our children and our tomorrows!
My cousin Janice has always
Winifred Johnson Daytona Beach FlMy cousin Janice has always had a passion for art and young people. What a perfect combination. Congrats to you both!
Not only is Janice a dynamic
Angelique McMath Atlanta, GeorgiaNot only is Janice a dynamic art teacher but also a valuable & trusted friend. Her sensitivity of the human soul goes far beyond the classroom. She's like a Florence Nightingale, for she is adept at caring for the elderly, the sick, the new mother, the needy friend. She taught me how to breast feed & care for my first child. She also lovingly made cute little outfits for Kelli, now 30
years old.
I love & adore you, Janice. I carry
your sweet spirit with me every day. Kudos to you & Leo. <3 <3
day. Kudos to you
Congratulations to both of
Bonnie Langm Davenport, IowaCongratulations to both of you! I read your article and would so like to meet you in person. You both have accomplished so much in the education system and it so needed! Stephani is my granddaughter and as you know, one of the sweetest, most beautiful ladies. I've met your son And really enjoyed visiting with him. He is so creative and now I understand why! He is such a nice young man! I hope your retirement affords.you many years of happiness.
Bonnie Lang
(Retired school secretary)
Nice going ....
Frank Brunelle Planet EarthNice going .... Congratulations!
The world needs more
Owa Brandstein Brooklyn, NYThe world needs more eduucators like Janice and Leo Frame- people who understand that teaching is about loving. I only hope that the younger generation of teachers can continue to build upon the work that they have done. Congratulations and enjoy retirement.
Now I know why sons Oman and
Judith Krum Deland, FloridaNow I know why sons Oman and Kairi are such terrific people. Thank you for the peek into the lives of some wonderful people.
My sons had Oman Frame as a
Doug Hock Denver, COMy sons had Oman Frame as a teacher and he left a positive, lasting impression on them. Nice to hear the "back story" and understand where these terrific teaching skills originated.
Had lunch with Angelique this
Linda Jordan Genovese Lawrenceville, Ga.Had lunch with Angelique this week and the first thing I said was,?"Tell me about Janice." You were a good friend to me in some trying times. Congratulations on your retirement. This article is wonderful.
WOW! What a milestone.
Lori Darden Atlanta,GAWOW! What a milestone. Congratulations my sister, Janice, and brother-in-law, Leo. I'm so very proud of you both. Your spirit and dedication will live on at MVRHS.
Congratulations to Oman's
Susan Apolinsky AtlantaCongratulations to Oman's parents. You sound like remarkable people. We are so lucky to have Oman as part of the Pi community. We adore him!
Congratulations to both
Carole Patrick Berthoud,ColoradoCongratulations to both Janice and Leo! You two are quite the team!
Hope to see you more now that you're going into the next chapter of
the amazing book of life!
We miss both Leo and Jan down
William J Stanley III Atlanta GeorgiaWe miss both Leo and Jan down here in Atlanta; we keep up with them through Skip and Lori...Ivenue and I still miss them but know that both are waaaay to young to retire!
love you!
shahid al-bilali louisville kylove you!
Congratulations to the both
Theresa Henry Los Angeles, CACongratulations to the both of you. Growing up with Leo was an interesting experience. And when he went off to college I was excited. Leo chose the most amazing woman and I adore her immensly. Janice always inspires me to be more creative. Good luck to both of you and enjoy your travels. Love your sister, Theresa
This is a bittersweet time
Melva Ware Newark, DelawareThis is a bittersweet time for our dear friends. They love their students, and the esteem in which they are held by all is so well deserved. They also love their lives on the Vineyard and the many dear friends who live there or visit each year. Extending the warmest hospitality, Janice and Leo have made the Vineyard home for so many of us. We add our best wishes for much joy and safe travels! We are excited and most hopeful that their adventures will include more frequent visits to Delaware... Much love, Melva and Leland
What a noble tribute to a
Yvette and Maurice Shane Southfield, MichiganWhat a noble tribute to a well deserving couple. We are extremely proud to know you and read about all of the extrodinary accomplishments you have made working with the youth on the Vineyard. Yes Leo, you chose well when you connected with Janice at Fisk...those were some great times! Here's wishing both of you happy retirements and continued success in your future endeavors.
Leontyne Price once said,
Saundra DeGeneste East Oranage, New JerseyLeontyne Price once said, "Who I am is the best I can be." Janice and Leo, you have been an inspiration to your family, students and friends. Now that you have retired continue doing your best to achieve your life goals because you still have so much to offer us all.
Love you both,
Saundra
I went to high school with
Robert Allsup AtlantaI went to high school with Leo Centennial high in Compton ca.He was a grade ahead of me a fun guy to be around.
I worked with Janice at the
Irwin Freedman Falmouth MAI worked with Janice at the West Tisbury School. She was every bit the terrific person and art educator that her admirers have cited earlier. I am in full agreement. A most unforgettable educator. I wish her and Leo a well earned retirement. I know that they both will continue to contribute to the well being of all of us on this planet. With Love Irwin (former West Tisbury School Principal)
Mrs. Frame was my Art teacher
Nathaniel (Randy) Kelley Clearwater, FLMrs. Frame was my Art teacher in 1983-84 before i graduated from what was Peachtree High School in Atlanta. Because i had gotten so far ahead in my credits, i was fortunate enough to have several art classes and study halls with her. I'm sure i'm one of hundred nameless students that she influenced, but for me, what she did for me in bringing out my talent is still with me today. Now, even my intellectual pursuits i consider art projects — my floor plans, my computer programming, and my technical writing, all of which require a lot of creativity; they are all extensions of myself and what i want. She showed how to break out of the limits of rules and schools and my own self-restrictions. I have often wished i could thank her personally, as she is one of maybe 5 adults that influenced me the most as a young man. Since i remember her personality so well, i know she did the same for many kids.
Thank you for all that you
Al McNeill Stoughton NAThank you for all that you have done—including your brief time with Step Up to Excellence. Such great people are rare. I am priveledged ti have known you
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