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.
On Monday, July 25, DC CAN Staff Team will be consolidating social media services, i.e. Facebook and Twitter, to FOCUS’ official social media communications to better serve our charter school alliances and the community. Effective Monday, July 25, the DC CAN Facebook Group will be in the process of moving to www.facebook.com/focusdc, and for DC CAN Twitter, it will switch from @dccanfocus to @focusdc at www.twitter.com/focusdc. Please update your links accordingly, and pass this message on to anyone you think may be affected by this change. We ask your patience during this transition and apologize for any inconvenience caused. We will issue further notices as progress is made.
Congratulations, Cesar Chavez Public Charter Schools for Public Policy, KIPP DC and E.L. Haynes Public Charter School, for receiving a $1 million grant from the 2011 “Race to the Top” Charter School Teacher Pipelines grant competition, announced by Mayor Vincent C. Gray and Deputy Mayor for Education De’Shawn Wright. The funding will ultimately draw over 90 new teaching residents to DC schools, all of whom will undergo an intensive year of training while working towards earning a DC teaching certificate. To learn more about the teaching placement programs at Cesar Chavez Public Charter Schools for Public Policy, KIPP DC and E.L. Haynes Public Charter School, visit http://www.washingtoninformer.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6342:dc-awards-2m-to-increase-number-of-highly-effective-teachers&catid=1:latest&Itemid=219.
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Carlos Rosario International Public Charter School’s Chef Instructor Chris Pepin, along with culinary students, presented a cooking demonstration for 40 students and their teachers at Maury Elementary School. For the demonstration, the chef and Carlos Rosario students led the students in preparing berry tarts. It looked like a sweet success! Read this news release of the cooking demonstration at http://www.carlosrosario.org/news/2011/06/maury-school-cooking-demonstration/. To learn about Carlos Rosario’s unique learning model combining evidence-based adult education practices with comprehensive support services at http://www.carlosrosario.org.
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While the Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum hosted “Evolution of the Go-Go Beat in Washington, D.C.”, the second in a series of programs devoted to the District’s homegrown genre of music, about 20 teachers, including Capital City Public Charter School and Cesar Chavez Public Charter School for Public Policy, remained indoors developing a Go-Go curriculum. The teachers separated into groups of three to brainstorm interactive ways to address the five core areas of knowledge based on Go-Go music. Learn more about how the teachers used “The Beat” as a primary text source, visit http://www.washingtoninformer.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6462:go-go-music-finds-its-way-into-classroom-curriculums&catid=64:entertainment&Itemid=136.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Extended Reminder – TODAY!
WHAT: “Teenie” Book Reading – Cosponsored by FOCUS
WHEN: Wednesday, July 20, 2011, 6:30-8:00 PM
WHERE: Bus Boys and Poets, 2021 14th Street NW, WDC 20009
DETAILS: Join the author, Christopher Grant, for a book reading from “Teenie”. Here is a summary of this book - Teenie is desperate to be accepted into a prestigious study abroad program in Spain, so that she can see what life is like beyond the streets of Brooklyn. She wouldn't mind escaping from her strict (though lovable) West Indian parents for awhile either. But when the captain of the basketball team starts to pay attention to her and Cherise, her best friend, meets a guy online, Teenie's mind is on anything but her schoolwork. Can Teenie save her friendship with Cherise, save her grade point average so that she can study in Spain, and save herself from a potentially dangerous relationship?
CONTACT: For more information, email cg@christopher-grant.com or visit www.christopher-grant.com.
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First Reminder
WHAT: Colored People’s Theater Collective Presents for colored girl who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf! – PLAYING FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY!
WHEN: See below for the schedule of performance events
• Thursday, July 21, 2011, 6:00 PM
• Saturday, July 23, 2011, 12:00 PM
• Sunday, July 24, 2011, 8:30 PM
WHERE: Studio Theatre, 1501 14th Street NW, WDC 20005
DETAILS: Ntozake Shange’s colored girls who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf! illuminates the tales of women in all the shade’s of life’s experiences. Through poetry and dance, Shange reminds us that women bear a complicated love waiting for a laying on of hands. We invite you to walk out of the darkness and to cross the rainbow and see what light exists on the other side. Choreographed by DeMoya Watson, and directed by Jamil Jude, Colored People’s Theater Collective (CPT), founded circa 2010, is a theatre collective whose mission is to explore, challenge and impact how race and diversity are seen on stage. As theatre professionals, we realize that theatre is not created in a vacuum; it is a collaborative entity. Everyone involved (marketing, artistic, ticket sales, community engagement, development, etc.) is responsible for shaping the work that is ultimately produced on stage. Additionally, once a work has been presented on stage, the audience can shape, interpret, and tailor the work to fit their sensibilities. Our goal is to address how both audiences and those who make theatre, see race and diversity and how that impacts the final product.
COST: Tickets are only $17*
*Price does not include cost of a Fringe Festival button, which is required for attendance at all Capital Fringe Festival events. Buttons can be purchased along with tickets from the Capital Fringe Festival Box Office.
CONTACT: Get your tickets online at www.capitalfringe.org or by calling 866.811.4111.
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WHAT: School of Rock All Stars Concert
WHEN: Thursday, July 21, 2011, 6:30-9:30 PM
WHERE: Reston Town Center Pavilion, 1818 Discovery Street, Reston, VA 20190
DETAILS: Celebrate 50 years of Rock & Roll at the School of Rock’s All Stars Rock the House Tour. Concert benefits Ronald McDonald House Charities Greater Washington DC. The All Stars group includes 4 musicians from Northern Virginia and DC. Free concert under the stars. Bring your lawn chair. Face painting for kids. Enjoy the concert under the stars and help children heal faster and better.
COST: Free; $10 donation requested
CONTACT: For more information, call 703.698.7080 or visit www.rmhc.greaterdc.org.
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WHAT: Mars Day at Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
WHEN: Friday, July 22, 2011, 10:00 AM-3:00 PM
WHERE: Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, 601 Independence Avenue SW, WDC 20560
DETAILS: MARS DAY! is an annual National Air and Space Museum event that celebrates the Red Planet with a variety of educational and fun family activities. Visitors can also talk to scientists active in Mars research and learn about current and future missions.
CONTACT: For more information, call 202.357.1387 or visit http://airandspace.si.edu/marsday.
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WHAT: Advocates for Justice and Education, Inc. Free Training on Primary Care for Special Needs for Parents and Staff That Work With Youth With Special Needs
WHEN: Saturday, July 23, 2011, 9:00-10:00 AM
WHERE: Advocates for Justice and Education, Inc., 4201 Georgia Avenue NW, WDC 20011
DETAILS: All trainings are free and available to parents and staff that work with youth and special needs. The new school year is vastly approaching and Advocates for Justice and Education, Inc. is available to provide free training to parents; teachers; special education coordinators; community based organizations, health care providers and anyone who works with youth with special needs. If your organization is interested in hosting training, no later than Friday, July 22, please refer to the contact section.
CONTACT: To register or to inquire about hosting training, please contact shanta.hendry@aje-dc.org.
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WHAT: Asian Food and Tennis Festival 2011
WHEN: Saturday, July 23, 10:00 AM-10:00 PM, and Sunday, July 24, 2011, 11:00 AM-6:00 PM
WHERE: George Mason University, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax, VA, 22030
DETAILS: The "Asian Festival" is a two-day FREE cultural event to promote a greater understanding of Asian countries and cultures to the general public. Not only will this festival showcase 35 multi-cultural food and 150 product vendors from Asia, but the festival will also include a tennis tournament. There will be a monetary prize as well. Asian embassies will also make their presence and exhibit their cultures, art and cooking demonstrations. Free children’s tennis block party clinic will be offered by current world top players at 4 PM, Saturday, July 23. Sign up now to reserve your spot. The Festival area will have 4 different stages in 4 different areas – India, Philippines, Thailand and China.
CONTACT: For more information, call 703.589.4144 or visit http://www.asianfestivaldc.com.
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Second Reminder
WHAT: Capital Fringe Festival 2011
WHEN: Now to Sunday, July 24, 2011
WHERE: Visit the website below for the location
DETAILS: The Capital Fringe Festival, also referred to as the DC Fringe Festival, is an annual performing arts event in Washington, DC featuring more than 100 performances in a variety of venues around Washington, DC. The Capital Fringe Festival introduces risk-taking art and non-traditional performances including theater, dance, music, poetry, puppetry and more. In addition to the roster of performances, there is merriment to be had at the Fort Fringe under the Baldacchino Gypsy Tent Bar, where fanatics can enjoy food, drinks, entertainment, and catch the latest buzz about all the Fringe performances.
COST: $17 plus $7 admission button; discounts and multi-show passes available
CONTACT: To purchase tickets, call 866.811.4111 or purchase tickets online at www.capfrindge.org. Also, you can visit the link to see a full list of participating artists and performance times.
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WHAT: Faces of Learning Story Slam
WHEN: Saturday, July 30, 2011, 5:00-6:30 PM
WHERE: Busboys and Poets, 2021 14th Street NW, WDC 20009
DETAILS: Come participate in this Saturday evening “story slam,” during which people will hear and share stories of their most powerful learning experiences — regardless of when or where they took place — and think together about how to create better environments in which adults and children can work and learn.
CONTACT: To RSVP, sign up at http://www.facesoflearning.net/events/11/faces-of-learning-public-discussion/.
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Second Reminder
WHAT: La Dolce DC – DC Celebration of Italian Culture
WHEN: Now through Sunday, July 31, 2011
WHERE: Visit the website below for the location
DETAILS: Washington, DC celebrates all things Italian with La Dolce DC, a citywide festival that coincides with the 150th anniversary of the unification of Italy and exclusive engagements of Italian art at the National Gallery of Art and The Phillips Collection. La Dolce DC showcases Italian culture through architecture, art, dance, design, fashion, music, theatre, film, food and wine.
CONTACT: For more information, visit ladolcedc.washington.org.
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YOUTH PROGRAMS / CLASSES / CAMPS
Second Reminder
WHAT: DC State Board of Education Seeking Two Students to Serve as Student Representatives on the Education Board
DEADLINE: Friday, July 29, 2011
DETAILS: The student representatives on the District of Columbia State Board of Education will act as liaisons between the student population of the District of Columbia and the District of Columbia State Board of Education. In order to serve as a student representative, applicants must be residents of the District of Columbia. All applicants must be currently enrolled as a junior or senior in a District of Columbia High School or a freshman, sophomore or junior in a local college or university. The student representative term begins in September 2011 and ends in July 2012.
CONTACT: Applications may be downloaded on the DC State Board of Education website at www.sboe.dc.gov. All applicants wishing to serve as a Student Representative must submit an application via email to sboe@dc.gov.
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First Reminder
WHAT: Dumbarton House History Summer Camp (One-Week Session Camps)
WHEN: Now through Friday, August 5, 2011 (See the link for the schedule of camp sessions)
WHERE: 2715 Q Street NW, WDC 20007
DETAILS: Children will experience life as it was in Georgetown households about 200 years ago, when our nation's capital was founded. Campers will sample and help cook historic snacks and drinks, perform early American and African American dances, experiment with making music, paint watercolor portraits and sketch from nature, try on period clothing, explore a historic garden, practice Federal manners, play with historic games and more!
CONTACT: For more information, call 202.337.2288 ext. 222 or visit http://www.dumbartonhouse.org/summer.htm.
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Second Reminder
WHAT: Washington Performing Arts Summer Academy’s Summer Steps with Step Afrika
WHEN: Monday, August 1 to Saturday, August 6, 2011, 9:00-3:30 PM
WHERE: 2000 L Street NW, Suite 510, WDC 20036
DETAILS: WPAS Summer Steps with Step Afrika! is a one-week program exploring the variations of the tradition of stepping, as well as its associations with other percussive dance styles. Led by members of the DC-based Step Afrika! troupe, the program explores the relationship between music and rhythm and helps participants build discipline and leadership skills.
COST: $40 for application fee
CONTACT: For more information, call 202.833.9800 or visit www.wpas.org.
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First Reminder
WHAT: Daughters of the American Revolution Museum Colonial Camp
WHEN: Monday, August 1, to Friday, August 5, 2011, 9:00 AM-3:00 PM
WHERE: National Society of DAR, 1776 D Street NW, WDC 20006
DETAILS: Step back in time for a “Revolutionary” experience at the DAR Museum’s tenth annual Colonial Camp. During this one-week long camp, campers will wear historically accurate costumes and explore colonial-American life through food, song, dance, crafts, stitchery, and a field trip. Camp cost includes field trip expenses, snacks, and costume. Boys receive a shirt, waistcoat, haversack, and Tricorne hat. Girls receive a shift, gown, apron, and cap.
CONTACT: For more information, call 202.628.1776 or visit http://www.dar.org/museum/edprogrms.cfm.
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Second Reminder
WHAT: Joy of the Motion Offering Saturday Classes in Young Modern Dance
WHEN: Saturday, August 6, to Saturday, August 27, 2011
WHERE: 5207 Wisconsin Avenue NW, WDC 20016
DETAILS: In the summer, Joy of Motion will offer a Young Modern Dance workshop series in ballet, jazz and modern dance for 6-12 grades on Saturdays.
CONTACT: For more information, call 202.362.3042 or visit www.joyofmotion.org.
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WHAT: DC Drug Education for Youth Residential Summer Camp
WHEN: Sunday, August 7, to Saturday, August 13, 2011
WHERE: 20501 Georgia Avenue, Brookville, MD 20833
DETAILS: DEFY is a free residential summer camp that will be held August 7-13 at Camp Bennett in Brookeville, MD. The program consists of a residential camp that is structured to provide a focused classroom-learning environment on various topics combined with team building and healthy activities. The Washington, D.C. Drug Education For Youth (DEFY) program is a drug and violence prevention program that serves youth between the ages of nine and twelve years old, that live in designated Weed & Seed sites in Washington, D.C. DEFY deters youth from negative behavior and activities at their most influential stage of life. The program instructs youth on many topics including drug resistance, self-esteem, conflict resolution, gang awareness and physical fitness.
CONTACT: To sign up, please contact Melanie Howard by calling 202.252.6930.
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Second Reminder
WHAT: Camp Sitar’s Summer Musical
WHERE: 1700 Kalorama Road NW, WDC 20009
DETAILS: For students in grades 5-12 who like to sing, dance, and act, Camp Sitar’s summer musical provides the opportunity to put on an exciting, Broadway-style musical under professional direction and design. Students experience all aspects of mounting a full length musical from auditioning to rehearsal to final performance. This summer Sitar is doing Bye Bye Birdie. Past productions have included Beauty and the Beast, Willy Wonka, Jr., You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown and Hello, Dolly!
CONTACT: Registration must be done in-person. For more information, call 202.797.2145 or visit www.sitarartscenter.org.
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Second Reminder
WHAT: Camp Sitar’s Teen Visual and Performing Arts Intensive
WHERE: 1700 Kalorama Road NW, WDC 20009
DETAILS: The Teen Visual and Performing Arts Intensive offers a higher level of classes serving grades 8-12 in graphic design, music production, photography, fashion, dance and more. Teens can opt to participate in the Teen Intensive and the summer musical.
CONTACT: Registration must be done in-person. For more information, call 202.797.2145 or visit www.sitarartscenter.org.
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SCHOLARSHIPS / CONTESTS / AWARDS
Second Reminder
WHAT: OP Loftbed Scholarship
DEADLINE: Sunday, July 31, 2011
DETAILS: This scholarship is for a student whom the judges feel provided the most interesting answers to a set of questions. Applicants must be citizens of the United States of America. The selected winner must enroll as a full or part-time student at an accredited college, university, or trade school in the United States of America by January 31, 2012 or else forfeit the award funds. Applications with any answer except "OP Loftbed" for question #4 will be disqualified. Only one submission per applicant is allowed. Award: At least one $500 scholarship.
CONTACT: The application, eligibility requirements, policy, and procedures are available on our website by clicking on http://oploftbed.com/scholarship.
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Second Reminder
WHAT: Gen and Kelly Tanabe Scholarship
DEADLINE: Sunday, July 31, 2011
DETAILS: This scholarship is a merit-based program that helps students fulfill their dreams of a higher education. Eligible students are 9th-12th grade high school, college, or graduate student including adult students that are legal resident of the U.S., currently in school or planning to start school within the next 12 months. Financial need is not considered. The selection of the winner is based primarily on the quality of the submitted personal statement.
CONTACT: The application, eligibility requirements, policy, and procedures are available on our website by clicking on http://www.gkscholarship.com.
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JOBS / INTERNSHIPS / VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
First Reminder
WHAT: Community Connections Hiring Community Clothes Closet Manager
DETAILS: We have a small clothing closet called "The Cozy Closet" where we receive donations of clothes for men, women & children. The volume of clothes that come in can be small to massive and we are seeking a volunteer to help us maintain this closet, by hanging clothes on hangers, and separating them (men, women, & children) via sex, and season (winter. spring, summer) for a few hours a day, 2-3 days a week. Also to assist clients with their selections and keeping the closet neat, tidy and items in place.
CONTACT: For more information, call 202.546.1512 or visit www.ccdc1.org.
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First Reminder
WHAT: International Experience (Nonprofit) Seeking Coordinators to Supervise and Mentor Exchange Students
DETAILS: International Experience - USA (iE) is a non-profit international high school exchange student organization. We are currently seeking qualified and motivated people to join our team as Local Coordinators, supervising and mentoring high school exchange students. Our local coordinators are responsible for promoting our student exchange and Young Diplomat program in their communities, identifying and vetting qualified host families, placing exchange students with host families and in local schools, complying with Department of State regulations. The main role of a Local Coordinator is as a supervisor and mentor of the students, always looking out for the student's best interest. As a Local Coordinator, you would be working closely with an area supervisor who will give you all the support and necessary tools to be successful. iE gives qualified candidates all needed system, procedural, and rules training. We give our coordinators a per-student stipend of $850 to help defray the costs of marketing, travel, and other related expenses. There is also a $50 per student fund that the local coordinator can draw off from for student events (such as orientations, Christmas parties, taking the students to a museum, etc.) Also, there are international travel opportunities with this position.
CONTACT: For more information, call 888.266.2921 or visit http://www.usa.international-experience.net.
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NETWORKING ONLINE
FOCUS and DC CAN are online and now on social networking sites. Find and follow us on the following links.
Official Website| www.focusdc.org
Facebook| www.facebook.com/focusdc and www.facebook.com/dccanfocus
Twitter| www.twitter.com/focusdc and www.twitter.com/dccanfocus
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