Charter Chat - 06/22/11
Welcome old and new subscribers! Charter Chat is published weekly by Friends of Choice in Urban Schools, better known as FOCUS, a nonprofit organization that supports quality public charter schools in the District of Columbia. We hope that you find the resources and information in this e-newsletter useful.
Feel free to forward this email to other parents and community members who might benefit from the information and wish to subscribe directly. If for any reason you don’t receive an edition of Charter Chat, please call 202-387-0405 or email us at charterchat@focusdc.org and we will take care of it right away. Of course, should you decide that this newsletter is not beneficial, you may opt out at any time. See the bottom of this message for links to subscribe, forward, and unsubscribe.
Submission Instructions: The more submissions we have, the more useful this e-newsletter will be! Email us at charterchat@focusdc.org to submit youth-oriented and family-friendly events and resources to include in future newsletters with “for charter chat” in the subject line. Please submit entries in the format found in the newsletter below. Entries must be received by COB Monday to be included in the Wednesday edition that week. We generally include entries three weeks in advance of the event date, deadline, or activity start date. We may provide more lead-time for contests, scholarships, competitions, etc. where time for preparation is required.
Summer is finally here – well, at 1:16 PM EST yesterday, officially for those of us on the East Coast in the U.S. In honor of the summer solstice, the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, FOCUS wants to friendly remind for charter school kids and families to stay cool as the forecast calls for hotter-than-average temperatures in coming days.
CHARTER SHOUT-OUTS
Congratulations to public charter school graduates for receiving academic recognition awards from the DC Council Office of Kwame Brown. Listing who obtained the Most Improved Student Award last week, kudos to…
• Kenyada Arrington, Booker T. Washington Public Charter School
• K.C. Jones, Cesar Chavez Public Charter School
• Markieta Massey, Friendship Collegiate Public Charter School
• Savon Boston, Integrated Design and Electronics Academy Public Charter School
• Jereme Speight, Thurgood Marshall Academy Public Charter School
DC Council Office of Kwame Brown’s award program, now in its fifth year, recognizes students who typically would not be receiving accolades. Since 2006, they have honored 80 high school seniors for their significant academic and personal improvement. Principals and teachers nominate students based upon increased grade point averages or improved grades and deportment. During the ceremony, award recipients shared heart wrenching and inspirational stories of the challenges and impediments they had to overcome in order to improve their standing. By way of example, Jereme Speight of Thurgood Marshall Academy Public Charter School raised his GPA from 1.5 to 2.25; while Savon Boston of Integrated Design and Electronics Academy Public Charter School started at 2.09 and ended with 3.07.
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Check out this White House blog, http://www.letsmove.gov/blog/2011/06/14/climbing-white-house, about Thurgood Marshall Academy Public Charter School students at the Leg’s Move Outside event. In the blog, it summarizes that the White House invited 50 students from Thurgood Marshall Academy to participate in camping demonstrations, fly fishing, a kayak clinic, mountain biking and rock climbing. Learn about the District’s first law-themed public charter high school at http://www.thurgoodmarshallacademy.org.
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It meant a lot to Imagine Southeast Public Charter School and to the charter school community that both First Lady Michelle Obama and former Washington Wizard basketball player Antawn Jamison came to help out with the playground construction at Southeast Imagine PCS. Read about how Imagine Southeast PCS had a new playground on what previously was barren land at http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5jf4c7ID10ieCsbnaRNluJIn5SN4A?docId=f8309a5ad67843f49ebda7e109a7fc06. Imagine Southeast is a tuition-free public charter school offering the first “dual academy” single-sex academic program in DC. Find out more at http://www.imaginesoutheastpcs.org.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
WHAT: The Washington Post to Host Forum on Issues Impacting the District's Black Communities
WHEN: Wednesday, June 22, 2011, 6:30-8:30 PM
WHERE: Friendship Collegiate Academy PCS, 4095 Minnesota Avenue NE, WDC 20019
DETAILS: The Washington Post will host “Behind the Headlines: Viewpoints from the District,” an informative panel discussion exploring a variety of hot-button issues impacting the African American experience in The District, including health disparities, education, and economic growth. The forum will also look at the second of three ground-breaking public opinion polls on issues facing the black community, conducted by The Washington Post and the Kaiser Family Foundation. The discussion will be lead by Colbert King, who is a columnist for The Washington Post, a panelist on the weekly ABC7 program "Inside Washington,” and a WTOP commentator. Presenters include the following: Maudine Cooper, president and CEO of Greater Washington Urban League, Inc.; Jeff Franco, executive director of City Year Washington, DC; Mark Plotkin, WTOP political analyst; Nikita Stewart, politics and government reporter at The Washington Post; Curtis Watkins, director of the Phelps Stokes National Homecomers Academy; and Anthony Williams, former Mayor of Washington, D.C.
CONTACT: Admission to the event is free, but seating is limited. To RSVP or to submit a question for the panel, please e-mail behindtheheadlines@washpost.com.
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First Reminder
WHAT: Imagination Stage Musical Performance – The Wind in the Willows
WHEN: Wednesday, June 22, to Sunday, April 14, 2011
WHERE: Imagination Stage, 4908 Auburn Avenue, Bethesda, MD 20814
DETAILS: Go on a wild ride with Mr. Toad! It's early in the twentieth century, and Mr. Toad embraces the motor car with reckless abandon. When it is clear that he is on a road to disaster, Toad's friends Mole, Ratty and Mr. Badger decide to intervene. Can they save Toad from himself? In an adventure with police chases, prison breaks and bandits, Mr. Toad learns the true meaning of friendship. This musical event is faithful to the classic, enchanting novel. Enjoyed by ages 4+.
COST: $10-$22 for single tickets; discounts for groups of 10+
CONTACT: To order by phone, call 301.280.1660, or at the box office. For more information, visit http://www.imaginationstage.org/shows-a-tickets/now-playing.
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WHAT: Concerts in the Rockville Square
WHEN: Thursday, June 23, 2011, 6:00-7:00 PM
WHERE: Rockville Town Square, 100 Gibbs Street, Rockville, MD 20850
DETAILS: Located in the heart of Rockville Town Square, Concert in the Square features the region's best musical entertainment. Bring your lawn chair, blanket and grab a bite to eat while taking in the sounds of the area's best free concert series. Below is the schedule of concert series on every Thursday’s…
• Thursday, June 23 – Jim Stephanson (Roots Rock)
• Thursday, June 30 – Guy Mendilow Band (Israeli/Sephardi)
• Thursday, July 7 – Dan Haas (Lounge Pop)
• Thursday, July 14 – Gonzo’s Nose (80’s and 90’s Cover Band)
• Thursday, July 21 – Joker’s Wild (Swing)
• Thursday, July 28 – Fools and Horse (Rock’n’Roll Combined with British Pop)
COST: $5 for membership fee; you can register at the event and receive a special gift
CONTACT: For more information, visit http://www.rockvilletownsquare.com/news/events.php.
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WHAT: Fifth Annual Ward 6 Family Day
WHEN: Saturday, June 25, 2011, 1:00-5:00 PM
WHERE: Yards Park, 10 Water Street SE, WDC 20003
DETAILS: There will be free food, live music, games and activities for the entire family as well as several raffles featuring gift cards and sporting items from DC United, Wizards, and the Nationals! Come out and join your neighbors for a great time.
CONTACT: For more information, call Pat Joseph at 202.724.8628 or email him at pjoseph@dccouncil.us.
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WHAT: Georgetown Waterfront Celebration at Georgetown Waterfront Park
WHEN: Sunday, June 26, 2011, 12:00:3:00 PM
WHERE: Georgetown Waterfront Park, 3000 K Street NW, WDC 20007
DETAILS: Come out and play in Georgetown! To celebrate summer, DC's favorite waterfront neighborhood is hosting a fun-filled Georgetown Waterfront Summer Celebration on Sunday, June 26th at the Washington Harbour from 12 - 3 p.m. An exciting way to cool down while having a blast, the highlight of the celebration will be The Great Georgetown Water Balloon Battle, inviting Washingtonians to toss hundreds of pre-filled water balloons and compete to win prizes at this memorable summertime water battle. Starting at 2 p.m., the playful competition will begin with a Boardwalk Water Balloon Toss, where teams of contenders will try their hardest to pass balloons back and forth without letting them burst on the ground. The festivities will culminate with a Water Balloon Battle at the scenic Georgetown Waterfront. Super Soakers and other fun water toys are also welcome. To fuel people up for the playful combat, Tony and Joe's and Nick's Riverside Grill, two of Georgetown's favorite eateries, will be grilling up summertime favorites like gourmet burgers and fresh seafood Restaurants will keep participants hydrated and cool with cold drinks, refreshing cocktails and fresh, creamy gelato. The rhythmic sounds of steel drums will transform the Washington Harbour into a tropical getaway, with a live steel drum band performing from 12 - 3 p.m. Families are also encouraged to bring the kids, as there will be a special children's area with balloon sculptors, face painting and more where kids can play and join in on the festivities.
CONTACT: For more information, visit http://www.georgetownwaterfrontpark.org/.
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WHAT: Family Movies on the Potomac at the National Harbor
WHEN: Sunday, June 26, 2011, 8:37-10:15 PM
WHERE: National Harbor, 137 National Plaza, Oxon Mills, MD 20745
DETAILS: Looking for something fun and free to do this weekend? Head over to the National Harbor on Sunday for their free Movies on the Potomac. Every Sunday night through the end of September, a classic movie begins just after sunset. You are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, but coolers with food and beverages are not allowed. Movies begin just after sunset. Below is the schedule of movies…
• Sunday, June 26 – Apollo 13 (Starting at 8:37 PM)
• Sunday, July 10 – Mega Mind (Starting at 8:35 PM)
• Sunday, July 17 – Despicable Me (Starting at 8:32 PM)
• Sunday, July 24 – Shrek Forever After (Starting at 8:27 PM)
• Sunday, July 31 – How to Train Your Dragon (Starting at 8:21 PM)
CONTACT: For more information, call 301.203.4189 or visit http://www.nationalharbor.com/consumer/entertainment.htm#movies.
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WHAT: Community Night with Community of Hope at the Spy Museum
WHEN: Wednesday, June 29, 2011
WHERE: International Spy Museum, 800 F Street NW, WDC 20004
DETAILS: The Spy Museum invites the local community to join us for Community Nights, our monthly free event. The mission of Community Nights is to spread goodwill and reach underserved communities. In addition to free admission to the museum, guests have the opportunity to test their spy skills with our fun filled spy activities. Join the Spy Museum as we celebrate summer reading and kick off the summer season. Decorate our spy summer mural, create your own tulip garden and join our book giveaway by participating in a museum scavenger hunt. Guests receive a 15% discount off books from our Spy store. Other activities include spy trivia and face painting. Community of Hope will be special guests for the coming Community Night.
CONTACT: For more information, call 202.393.7798 or register at at www.spymuseum.org.
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First Reminder
WHAT: 10th Anniversary Hip-Hop Theater Festival
WHEN: Tuesday, July 12, to Saturday, July 16, 2011
DETAILS: The Hip-Hop Theater Festival returns to celebrate the best in local and national culture from the Hip-Hop generation. Part of its mission is to make theater by and about the Hip-Hop generation to every member of our community. Below is the festival schedule…
• Friday, July 15, and Saturday, July 16, 2011, 8:00 PM – “Word Becomes Flesh”
(Performance held at DancePlace, 3325 8th Street NE, WDC 20017)
Word Becomes Flesh is an ensemble-based revisioning of Marc and Bamuthi Joseph’s fluid evening-length choreo-poem. Presented as a series of letters to an unborn son, performed by a dynamic cast of young men, the play uses poetry, dance and live music to document nine months of pregnancy from a young single father’s perspective.
• Wednesday, July 13, 2011, 11:00 AM, “SEED”
(This free Performance held at Arena Stage, 1101 6th Street SW, WDC 20024)
Burnt-out social worker Anne Colleen Simpson decides to write a book detailing the child welfare case that brought her acclaim. But when Chee-Chee, a gifted ten-year-old from the “projects” collides into her life, she is forced to confront the shadows of her past. This compelling drama examines the class and cultural fault lines in one of New York’s most prominent black communities.
COST: $10 per person for Word Becomes Flesh (limited $5 discounted tickets available); Free for SEED
CONTACT: For group bookings or more information, call Travis Ballenger at 202.554.9066 ext. 5070, email groups@hhtf.org, or visit www.hhtf.org.
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YOUTH PROGRAMS / CLASSES/ CAMPS
First Reminder
WHAT: Passport to Summer Program
WHEN: Monday, June 20, to Friday, August 12, 2011
WHERE: Washington International School, 1690 36th Street NW, WDC 20007
DETAILS: In a world increasingly without borders, Passport to Summer welcomes students from Washington, DC and beyond, offering a unique international and multicultural experience and a wide range of programs to students of all ages. Passport to Summer allows students to engage in collaborative project-based programs that reflect the interests of 21st century young explorers. Campers work together, acquiring and honing skills of leadership, compromise, collaboration and ingenuity.
CONTACT: For more information regarding camp program, visit http://www.wis.edu/school-life/passport-to-summer/index.aspx.
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Second Reminder
WHAT: Young Parents Program at the Latin American Youth Center
WHEN: Wednesday, June 22, 2011, 3:00-5:00 PM (Open House)
WHERE: Latin American Youth Center, 1419 Columbia Road NW, WDC 20009
DETAILS: The Young Parents Program is now recruiting for our next session of prenatal and parenting classes, beginning in late June. The program is open to pregnant and parenting DC residents ages 16 to 24, so please encourage youth who fit the bill to consider joining our classes. This program’s curriculum is focused on parenting skills and how to find a job.
CONTACT: To fill out an application, please refer your express of interest to Maggie Lyons at maggie@layc-dc.org.
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WHAT: College Admissions Essay Writing Workshop
WHEN: See below for the schedule of college workshop dates…
• Monday, June 27, to Friday, July 1, 2011, 9:00 AM-12:00 PM
• Monday, July 18, to Friday, July 22, 2011, 1:00-4:00 PM
• Monday, August 8, to Friday, August 12, 2011, 1:00-4:00 PM
WHERE: Writopia Lab, 3920 Alton Place NW, WDC 20018
DETAILS: Writers with gather with a group of 4-6 peers and an instructor who is a published writer and experienced college writing instructor. We'll help writers brainstorm, plan, draft, revise, and polish a strong admissions essay that they'll be excited about and proud to submit. And we keep it relaxed and fun in the process. If none of those dates suit but you'd like to participate, let us know, as we may be able to add workshops.
CONTACT: For more information, call 202.629.9510, email Kathy@writopialab.org, or visit www.writopialab.org.
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First Reminder
WHAT: Achieve Beyond Summer Camp 2011
WHEN: Monday, June 27, to Friday, September 2, 2011
WHERE: Achieve Beyond, 7143 Shreve Road, Falls Church, VA 22043
DETAILS: We at Achieve Beyond Pediatric Therapy and Behavior Services Virginia are delighted to announce that we are now accepting registrations for our Summer Camp 2011. Achieve Beyond's Summer Camp goal is to facilitate the generalization of skills taught in school and/or therapy programs to the natural environment. Using Skinner's (1957) Analysis of Verbal Behavior as the foundation of our camp, we help children on the autism spectrum as well as developmental delays and social skills deficits learn and practice newly acquired skills with other similar-aged children who have like abilities. During the summer camp, there will be 1 therapist following 2-3 participants. This ratio will be determined once we close the registration and know the age group ad like abilities.
CONTACT: For more information, call 703.237.2219 or visit http://www.achievebeyondusa.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=127&Itemid=79.
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First Reminder
WHAT: The DC Public Library – Children’s Summer Reading Program 2011
WHEN: Check the calendar for a schedule of events at your neighborhood library
WHERE: To begin your journey with Summer Reading, visit any DC Public Library, and pick up a passport. Earn credit by reading a book or attending a summer reading program.
DETAILS: The One World, Many Stories Summer Reading Program encourages children ages birth to 12 to expand their horizons by reading and learning about other lands. Children will explore cultures through reading, hear stories from people who have traveled and enjoy an array of music, dance and games from around the world. Each page in your passport represents a different continent, with the circles representing 15 minutes of activity.
• Color the circles to indicate time spent reading or attending a library program.
• Fill in at least four circles on each page to complete the program.
• Bring your completed passport to your neighborhood library to receive a prize.
CONTACT: For more information regarding program schedule, highlights of the performers, and suggested reading lists, visit http://dclibrary.org/node/13773.
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First Reminder
WHAT: Youth Training Institute at DCTV Recruiting Middle and High School Students
WHEN: Rolling basis throughout the year
WHERE: Youth Training Institute at DCTV, 901 Newton Street NE, WDC 20017
DETAILS: DCTV’s youth media initiative, created to give young people in the DC Metro area the opportunity and space to learn, understand and create media to make positive changes in the Washington DC community. YTI empowers youth voices by providing forums for expression for youth, which includes the development and productions of programs, and helping young people become engaged in our community through creative expression and various uses of media. If you are interested in creating media and working with DCTV in other areas of personal and professional development. Here are a few benefits of the program designed for middle school and high school students…
• Access to DCTV resources (field cameras, studios, editing)
• Hands-on learning
• Mentoring
• Local and national program distribution
• Peer to peer training opportunities
• School credit, service learning hours, volunteering hours or community service hours
CONTACT: For more information, call Fred Kenner at 202.526.7007 ext. 124, email fkenner@dctvonline.tv, or visit http://www.dctv.org/Youth-Training.
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SCHOOL OPEN HOUSES / ENROLLMENT EVENTS
Ongoing Reminder
WHAT: Achievement Prep PCS Open House
WHEN: Thursdays, June 23, 30 & July 7, and Tuesdays, June 28 & July 5, 2011, 10:00 AM-1:00 PM
WHERE: Achievement Prep PCS, 908 Wahler Place SE, WDC 20032
DETAILS: Come and tour our school and learn about the program that was identified as the highest performing charter school in the District in 2010. Enter your rising 4th, 5th, or 6th grade scholar in our enrollment lottery. Applications may be completed in person or via web at www.aprepacademy.org.
CONTACT: For more information, please call Danielle Johnson by 202.562.1214 ext. 119, email djohnson@aprepacademy.org, or visit www.aprepacademy.org.
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Second Reminder
WHAT: Tree of Life PCS Open House
WHEN: Thursday, June 23, 2011, 5:00-6:00 PM
WHERE: Tree of Life PCS, 2315 18th Place NE, WDC 20018
DETAILS: The Tree of Life Community PCS provides holistic academic and nonacademic programs and services for children and families of the District. The school offers small classes of 18-20 students for grade levels pre-kindergarten through eight. A content-rich, child-focused, culture-rich and relationship-focused curriculum model is utilized to achieve higher academic performance and develop productive behaviors and skills for one's contribution to the world community. The integration of academic content (and individualized instruction), particularly reading and literacy, within the context of stronger family/community services is emphasized. The school is free and open to the DC public.
CONTACT: For more information, call 202.832.1108 or visit http://www.treeoflifepcs.org.
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Ongoing Reminder
WHAT: Paul PCS Open House
WHEN: Tuesdays, June 28 & July 5, 2011, 9:00-11:00 AM
WHERE: Paul PCS, 5800 8th Street NW, WDC 20011
DETAILS: The mission of Paul Public Charter School is to educate our students and to develop in them the capacity to be responsible citizens, independent thinkers, and leaders. Now accepting applications for grades 6-9 for the 2011-2012 school year.
CONTACT: For more information, call 202.291.7499 or visit www.paulcharter.org.
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First Reminder
WHAT: Hyde Leadership PCS Open House
WHEN: Tuesday, June 28, 2011, 6:00-7:00 PM
WHERE: Hyde Leadership PCS, 1800 Perry Street NE, WDC 20018
DETAILS: We are a college preparatory school, serving Pre-K (age 4) through Grade 12. Our goal is to develop socially responsible leaders, who are prepared for college and for life! Visit our newly-renovated, high-tech building and learn about our academic programs; our character-building focus and parent involvement programs; our athletic activities; and, our art, music and other performing arts opportunities.
CONTACT: Interested parents can register online to attend an admissions information session at www.hydedc.org/admissions or call 202.551.0804. Enrollment forms are available online at www.hydedc.org/admissions_toapply.
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WHAT: Friendship PCS – Chamberlain Campus Open House
WHEN: Tuesday, July 5, 2011, 9:00-11:00 AM
WHERE: Friendship PCS, 1345 Potomac Avenue SE, WDC 20002
DETAILS: Chamberlain Elementary provides a rich learning environment purposely crafted to develop early academic success. Serving more than 700 students, Chamberlain has one of the strongest school performance records in the District of Columbia. In 2004-05, Chamberlain achieved the highest Stanford 9 reading and math test scores of all public elementary schools of similar demographics. These results follow six years of academic performance that exceed state goals. Chamberlain students were finalists in the Scripps National Spelling Bee, hosts for U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu (LA) during National Charter School Week and ambassadors for National Breakfast Week. Students benefited from numerous educational partnerships including the Washington Performing Arts Society In-School Artist Residency Program, Kennedy Center Performance Program, the Toyota Book Initiative and Shakespeare Theater Text Alive! We are accepting applications for grades Pre-K to 8, and special tours can be arranged.
CONTACT: For more information, call Barry Lofton by phone 202.281.1754, email by blofton@friendshipschools.org or visit www.friendshipschools.org.
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SCHOLARSHIPS / CONTESTS/ AWARDS
First Reminder
WHAT: Big Sun Scholarship 2011
DEADLINE: Thursday, June 23, 2011
DETAILS: The BigSun Organization is proud to be able to help young athletes succeed in their academic pursuits. In order to do our part we are offering an annual scholarship to a deserving student. All student athletes are eligible for this award, regardless of which sport they are participating in. All student athletes are eligible regardless of the sport they are engaged in. The student must be a high school senior or be attending a post secondary institute. This year’s essay question is “What are your most important extracurricular or community activities? What have you done to contribute to them?”
CONTACT: Your submissions must be sent to us by email at athleticawards@bigsunathletics.com. For more information, visit http://www.bigsunathletics.com.
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First Reminder
WHAT: Campbell Family Scholarships
DEADLINE: Thursday, June 30, 2011
DETAILS: We all care for our pets. But some take that further by pursuing a pet-specific vocation. Banfield Charitable Trust applauds their efforts by making undergraduate scholarships available to those who deserve them. Campbell Family Scholarships help provide full-tuition for up to four years of undergraduate studies with the intent to help pets. Please note that your official transcripts must arrive with your application in a sealed envelope from your academic institution. If your school will not issue transcripts to you in person, please have them mailed to your home. Send your transcripts and all application materials in one envelope. Applications without a transcript will be ineligible.
CONTACT: The application, eligibility requirements, policy, and procedures are available on our website by clicking on http://www.banfieldcharitabletrust.org/programs/campbell-family-scholarships.
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First Reminder
WHAT: BG Communications Scholarship Award
DEADLINE: Thursday, June 30, 2011
DETAILS: Breylan Communications focuses on providing the highest quality equipment in the communications industry. The BBG Communications scholarship is designed for students between the ages of 16 and 21 who are currently in or will be attending an institution of higher education in the Fall of 2011. All you need to do is submitting answers to the two essay questions, which can be found on the application page, prior to the deadline.
CONTACT: The application, eligibility requirements, policy, and procedures are available on our website by clicking on http://www.breylancommunications.com/bbgcommunications/132/scholarships.php.
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First Reminder
WHAT: 2011 From Failure to Promise Essay Contest
DEADLINE: Thursday, June 30, 2011
DETAILS: In 2010, Dr. C. Moorer published his ground breaking work, “From Failure to Promise: An Uncommon Path to Professoriate”. An inspirational autobiography in which Moorer (once an inner-city youth) shares his 15-year journey, espousing how God transformed his life and took him from college flunk-out to engineer and, ultimately, to university professor. Dr. C. Moorer has humbly told his story to inspire and motivate youth to reach great promise. Many students face challenges and circumstances that cascade the reality of reaching their academic hopes and dreams. We invite you to write an original essay, up to 1,000 words long, addressing the following questions: 1.) How has this book “From Failure to Promise: An Uncommon Path to Professoriate”, positively impacted your pursuit of success and promise? 2.) What is your commitment to improving the lives of global citizens once you have reached your destined promise? Contestants must be high school seniors, undergraduate, and graduate-level college students with at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA, pursuing or planning to pursue a degree at an accredited college or university in the United States.
CONTACT: The application, eligibility requirements, policy, and procedures are available on our website by clicking on http://www.fromfailuretopromise.com/Essay-Scholarship-Contest-.html.
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JOBS / INTERNSHIPS / VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
WHAT: Summer Opportunities for Students to Participate in Activities, Work, and Earn Credit Toward Their Community Services Requirements
DETAILS: Summer vacation is just around the corner for thousands of DC youth. Kids will be out of school yearning for fun things to do, and teens will need activities to capture their imagination. Adults will be looking for events to occupy their free time. “One City Summer Fun... Something for Everyone,” a safe communities partnership initiative is the answer. This summer, there will be a full array of exciting activities, events and programs that will engage everyone in fun, creativity, reading, learning, exploration, healthy living, volunteerism, and employment opportunities. “One City Summer Fun… Something for Everyone,” a comprehensive and expanded city-wide partnership between District government agencies, community and faith based organizations, and private sector groups, is an integrated approach to a safe and productive summer season. There's something of interest for everyone in every ward across the city. Join our effort and let us know about other activities taking place in your community.
CONTACT: For more information about this initiative, visit www.onecitysummer.dc.gov.
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First Reminder
WHAT: 2011 Summer Internship Opportunities with the Voice of Midlife and Older Women
DETAILS: If you are looking for a challenging internship where you can be part of a team and learn concrete skills, OWL is the place for you. You'll work with experienced professionals who are interested in mentoring interns. You'll learn first hand what its like to work at a fast-paced, national non-profit membership organization. You'll leave your internship experience knowing you made a valuable and lasting contribution to a worthwhile cause. OWL has several internship opportunities available for graduate and qualified undergraduate students. OWL prefers interns who can make at least a 3-month commitment, and have relevant academic and/or professional experience. Strong communications skills and computer proficiency are required. Candidates with an interest in women's issues and/or aging issues are especially encouraged to apply. Energy, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn are a plus. OWL internships are available year-round, and are unpaid. Intern projects and assignments are developed based upon the individual skills and expertise of each intern.
CONTACT: The application, eligibility requirements, policy, and procedures are available on our website by clicking on http://www.idealist.org/view/internship/CDzcXt5j5PbD.
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Second Reminder
WHAT: Urban Ed Seeking Two Youth Workers for Safe Summer Program
DETAILS: Urban Ed is seeking two strong candidates to serve as youth workers for our special Safe Summer program for teenagers ages 14-15 this summer. We are looking for candidates to begin as soon as Monday, June 13. Urban Ed, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that provides District of Columbia children, youth, and adults with technology-driven education, information and skill development for sustained futures. This position is for a youth worker to support our Pathways to Prosperity teen program during the summer months. The youth worker should have a youth development background preferably with at-risk populations or youth in need of supervision. Knowledge of state and federal education standards a plus but not mandatory. Experience with training and curriculum development a strong plus. Experience tutoring and mentoring low-performing youth also helpful. The ideal candidate will have advanced technology skills in Microsoft Office, be organized, detail-oriented and responsible. Able to work with teams yet independently, take initiative and require minimal supervision are customary in our work environment. This is a part-time, temporary position from Jun 13 – Aug 17. Urban Ed seeks individuals with demonstrated energy and compassion for youth and community work.
CONTACT: Send cover letter with resume to info@urbaned.org with a subject line saying Youth Worker or via fax, 202.610.2355. To learn more about this nonprofit, visit www.urbaned.org.
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First Reminder
WHAT: The Heritage Foundation Internship Program 2011
DEADLINE: Friday, July 1, 2011
DETAILS: Applications should demonstrate strong research and writing talents, excellent communication skills, and the inquisitiveness to undertake various research, writing, administrative, and computer projects. All interns are paid at the rate of $7.25 per hour. Each semester, interns are required to begin on the start date and intern through the end date. The Heritage Foundation's Fall Intern Program begins in late August and ends in December. During the fall term, Heritage will accept approximately 50 interns. Interns may work part-time (a minimum of 24 hours per week), to be determined on a case-by-case basis.
CONTACT: The application, eligibility requirements, policy, and procedures are available on our website by clicking on http://www.heritage.org/about/internships-young-leaders/applying-to-the-internship-program.
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SCHOOL / COMMUNITY RESOURCES
First Reminder
WHAT: Reading is Fundamental Offering Free Brochures on Promoting the Habit of Reading in Families
DETAILS: Reading Is Fundamental has developed these brochures on a variety of topics to help promote the habit of reading in families. Download, print, copy and distribute any or all of these materials for free. These guides are in PDF format. You will need Acrobat Reader to download them. Please note that for best printing results, print them on 11’’ by 17’’ paper. Parent guide brochures have covered these following topics…
• Choosing Good Books for Children of All Ages
• How to Get Preschoolers Excited about Reading
• Reading Aloud to Your Children
• RIF’s Guide to Artistic Adventures
• Summertime Reading Adventures
• La Lectura
CONTACT: To download brochures distributed by RIF, visit http://www.rif.org/us/literacy-resources/brochures.htm.
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Second Reminder
WHAT: Reading Comprehension Professional Development Opportunity Through FOCUS and WestEd
WHEN: Tuesday, August 9, 2011, 5:00-7:30 PM
DETAILS: FOCUS is partnering with WestEd to provide a professional development opportunity for public charter school science, math, history, and English teachers. This online module will focus on reading comprehension: Strategies for Text Discussion and Data-Driven instruction, and will be aligned with the common core standards. An in-person kickoff will be held on the evening of August 9th (dinner provided), followed by 7 weeks of online training to be completed on your schedule, with coursework anticipated to take 2 hours per week. This is the first in a series of reading comprehension modules we will be offering. Requirements for registration are…
• Public charter school middle or high school teacher with access to students during the module
• Preference given to teams of 2 or more from one school
• First come, first served - space is limited
CONTACT: Email Alison Collier, acollier@focusdc.org, to register.
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