Chart Chat August 3, 2011
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.
VOLUNTEER FOR FOCUS!
WHAT: Looking for a way to make your voice heard? FOCUS is recruiting activists for school year 2011 – 2012. Join us next week at one of the following informational meeting dates – we’ll have dinner & refreshments too!
WHEN: August 9, 2011 6 PM – 8 PM -OR- August 11, 2011 6 PM – 8 PM
WHERE: FOCUS’s office, 1436 U Street, Suite 204 Washington, DC 20009
WHY: This year, we'll be fighting for vacant DCPS facilities that could expand education opportunities throughout the city. We need your help.
The stakes for education reform have never been greater in DC. We can move forward together or let the opportunity pass us by. Our time is now and we need YOU to get involved. Sign up today to join the movement at FOCUS.
In the upcoming year, Mayor Vincent Gray and the DC Council will be considering whether public charter school students in DC should be treated with equality. We need your voice to be heard. Sign the petition to let your Council member know you expect the fair and legal use of vacant buildings in your neighborhood. Join the movement at FOCUSdc.org to fight for equal funding treatment for DC students.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
WHAT: Private Documentary Screening of “The Finland Phenomenon: Inside the World’s Most Surprising School System.”
WHEN: Thursday, August 4, 2011 6 PM - 8 PM
WHERE: George Washington University, Duques 650, 2201 G Street NW, Washington, DC 20052
DETAILS: A panel with a Q & A session to follow. Nearest Metro Stop: Foggy Bottom – GWU; Blue & Orange lines. For a sneak peek, please click: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bcC218zioIw
RSVP: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/1900892621
ABOUT THE FILM:
Finland’s education system has consistently ranked among the best in the
world for more than a decade. The puzzle is, why Finland? Documentary
filmmaker, Bob Compton, along with Harvard researcher, Dr. Tony Wagner,
decided to find out. The result of their research is captured in a new
film, “The Finland Phenomenon: Inside the World’ Most Surprising School
System.” In the 60-minute film, Dr. Wagner guides the viewer through an
inside look at the world’s finest secondary education system. A life-long
educator and author of the best-selling book “The Global Achievement
Gap,” Dr. Wagner is uniquely qualified to explore and explain
Finland’s success.
From within classrooms and through interviews with students, teachers,
parents, administrators and government officials, Dr. Wagner reveals the
surprising factors accounting for Finland’s rank as the #1 education system
in the world.
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WHAT: GreatSchools DC “Back to School and Ready to Learn” event
WHEN: Saturday, August 13th from 1-3pm
WHERE: THEARC (1901 Mississippi Avenue SE Washington, DC) in the Boys and Girls Club gymnasium
DETAILS: Community Resource Tables, 50/50 Raffle & chance at prizes FREE BACKPACKS AND SCHOOL SUPPLIES: (*First come, first serve; limit two backpacks per family; student and parent/adult must be present to receive backpacks)
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WHAT: Summer Art Programs for Kids with Adults at the National Gallery of Art
WHEN: See below for the schedule of series of programs…
• Sunday, July 31, 2011, 1:00 and 2:30 PM – Fascinating Faces
• Wednesday, August 3, 2011, 12:30 and 2:00 PM – Fascinating Faces
• Sunday, August 7, 2011, 1:00 and 2:30 PM – Moody Mysteries
• Wednesday, August 10, 2011, 12:30 and 2:00 PM – Moody Mysteries
WHERE: National Gallery of Art, 4th Street and Constitution Avenue NW, WDC 20565
DETAILS: Designed for ages 8–11, the Artful Conversations series of programs at the National Gallery of Art encourages children and adults to participate together using observation and discussion to explore works of art in the collection. Led by museum educators, each program includes a guided discussion about a masterpiece in the Gallery’s collection, as well as a sketching activity inspired by the painting they investigate. Each participant will receive a sketching booklet to accompany this series and a stamp for each program attended. If you have three or more stamps at the end of the summer, you will receive a prize.
CONTACT: For more information, call 202.737.4215 or visit http://www.nga.gov/programs/family/.
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WHAT: Sugarfootn’ in the Caribbean with Anansi the Spider – Dinner Theatre Performance
WHEN: Thursday, August 11, 2011, 6:30 PM
WHERE: Washington Ethical Society, 7750 16th Street NW, WDC 20011
DETAILS: This is a delightful children’s theatre production you don’t want to miss! This is a wonderful time to invite, friends, neighbors and relatives – truly a wonderful community gathering, good food and to find out more about our performing arts program. You may purchase tickets on the day of the performance, however please keep in mind seating is limited.
COST: $15 per person
CONTACT: To RSVP, call 202.723.8890 or email bwilson@sugarfoots.com.
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YOUTH PROGRAMS / CLASSES / CAMPS
FINAL 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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WHAT: BalletNova Summer Camps Open for Registration
WHEN: See below for the schedule of summer camps and themes…
• Monday, August 1, to Friday, August 5, 2011 – Sleeping Beauty (for ages 4.5-6)
• Monday, August 1, to Friday, August 12, 2011 – Magic of Shakespeare (for grades 6-8)
• Monday, August 15, to Friday, August 19, 2011 – Jump In Part I (for ages 8-11)
• Monday, August 22, to Friday, August 26, 2011 – Jump In Part II (ages 12-14)
WHERE: BalletNova Studio, 3443 Carlin Springs Road, Falls Church, VA 22041
DETAILS: Experience BalletNova this summer and fall. BalletNova's state of the art studio is conveniently located in Falls Church, VA (Bailey's Crossroads) and offers dance camps and classes for all ages, levels and interests in a nurturing environment.
CONTACT: For more information, call 703.778.3008 or visit http://www.balletnova.org/content/camps-spring-and-summer-2011.
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WHAT: The Levine School of Music Summer Programs (One-Week Session Camps)
WHEN: Monday, August 1, to Friday, August 19, 2011 (See the link for the schedule of camp sessions)
WHERE: Sallie Mae Hall, 2801 Upton Street NW, WDC 20008
DETAILS: Whether you're new to music or have studied for many years, the summer is the perfect time to broaden your musical horizons, and Levine is a great place to do just that. This year, it’s even easier to sign up using our new Online Registration System. Summer programs provide one-week intensive experiences for school-aged students in music and are a great way to make new friends! In addition, we offer classes for all ages and abilities.
CONTACT: For more information, call 202.686.8000 or visit http://www.levineschool.org/instruction/summer.
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SCHOLARSHIPS / CONTESTS / AWARDS
WHAT: NASA Space Shuttle Because It Flew Art Contest
DEADLINE: Friday, August 5, 2011
DETAILS: In commemoration of the 30th Anniversary of the Space Shuttle Program, NASA, the National Institute of Aerospace and USA TODAY invite students, ages 9-17, to participate in the NASA Space Shuttle Art Competition by creating an original artwork that reflects the impact of the Space Shuttle program on our planet and in our lives. As a component of the Because It Flew (BIF) program students are asked to submit an individual artwork with a 250-word essay explaining their artistic entries. The submissions will be reviewed by an expert panel of artists and the top six entries will receive a cash prize, a private tutoring session with an accomplished USA TODAY graphic artist, and a certificate of accomplishment. Encourage students and children to explore the history of the Space Shuttle Program, upload their photo and submit their artwork and essay.
CONTACT: For more information, visit www.usatodayeducate.com/becauseitflew.
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WHAT: Apply for a Grant from the DC Fund
DEADLINE: Monday, August 15, 2011
DETAILS: The Diverse City Fund gives out grants to fund volunteer-powered initiatives to create more justice in DC neighborhoods and communities of color, led by changemakers with little access to foundation funding. The following grant criteria is…
• Grant requests must be less than $5,000
• For projects in communities of color in the District
• Demonstrating little access to funding and a vision for social change
CONTACT: To apply for this grant, visit http://www.diversecityfund .org/grant-application/.
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JOBS / INTERNSHIPS / VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Second 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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Second 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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SCHOOL & COMMUNITY RESOURCES
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WHAT: Classes on Housing Issues Offered by Housing Counseling Services, Inc.
WHEN: See the below for the schedule of classes…
• Wednesday, August 3, 2011, 12:00 PM – Foreclosure Prevention
• Wednesday, August 3, 2011, 6:00 PM – Prepurchase Workshop
• Thursday, August 4, 2011, 11:00 AM – Prepurchase Workshop
• Thursday, August 4, 2011, 4:00 PM – Housing Search Clinic
• Wednesday, August 10, 2011, 12:00 PM – Foreclosure Prevention
• Wednesday, August 10, 2011, 6:00 PM – Money Matters
• Thursday, August 11, 2011, Prepurchase Workshop
• Thursday, August 11, 2011, Housing Search Clinic
WHERE: Housing Counseling Services Inc. Training Center, 2410 17th Street NW, Suite 100, WDC 20009
DETAILS: All classes are available in English and Spanish (other languages with advanced notice). No reservations necessary – everyone is welcome. Housing Counseling Services, Inc., is a nonprofit 501(c )3 organization that provides comprehensive housing counseling, training and advocacy for low and moderate income tenants, homebuyers, and homeowners. Our goal is to build sustainable communities through informed housing consumers.
COST: Free
CONTACT: For more information, call Eli Cohn at 202.667.4006 ext. 241 or email eliascohn@housingetc.org.
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NETWORKING ONLINE
FOCUS is online and awaiting to further connect with you and the charter school community. Find and follow us on the following links.
Official Website| www.focusdc.org
Facebook| www.facebook.com/focusdc
Twitter| www.twitter.com/focusdc
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