Chart Chat 10/05/11
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 visit our website and sign up to subscribe. It’s quick and easy: www.FOCUSdc.org/get-involved 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.
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Get Involved with FOCUS!
The stakes for education reform have never been greater in DC. The time is now for YOU to get involved. Sign up today to join the movement at FOCUS. www.FOCUSdc.org/Join-Movement
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CHARTER SCHOOL EVENTS & OPEN HOUSES
WHAT: E.L. Haynes Public Charter School has open spaces in 6th Grade, 7th, Grade, and 9th Grade.
DETAILS: We are one of the top performing charter schools in D.C. and have received a number of awards locally and nationally. Our early childhood and high school campus is in Ward 4 (4501 Kansas Avenue NW); our middle school campus is in Ward 1 (3600 Georgia Avenue NW).
CONTACT: Interested families should contact Sal Torres:
Sal Torres, Enrollment and Recruitment Coordinator Email: enrollment@elhaynes.org
E.L. Haynes enrollment hotline: 202-300-5839 <tel:202-300-5839>
Sal's mobile phone: 813-495-0068 <tel:813-495-0068>
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WHAT: KIPP DC is hosting an Open House on Thursday, October 13th at our
Douglass Road Campus in Anacostia.
DETAILS: Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about teaching opportunities, network with school leaders, and visit classrooms to see KIPP DC schools in action. Schools that will be featured include Discover Academy (early childhood), Heights Academy (elementary), AIM Academy (middle-school), and KIPP College Prep (high-school).
WHEN: Thursday, October 13th, 2011 9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
WHERE: Douglass Road Campus 2600 Douglass Road SE Washington, DC 20020
RSVP: Please e-mail katie.mcmahon@kippdc.org by October 11.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: If you have any additional questions please feel free to contact Katie McMahon, Recruitment Associate or Allison McLeod, Recruitment Director at 202-265-5477.
WHAT: Roots Public Charter School Autumn Africentric Masquerade &
Disco (alternative to Halloween)
WHEN: Monday, October 31, 2011 6-9pm
WHERE: Roots Public Charter School,15 Kennedy St. NW, WDC. 20001,
Multipurpose Room
DETAILS: Fun filled indoor-outdoor party for children preschool through 8th grade!
Cultural affair with food, games, entertainment, and prizes. We wear
customs reflecting ancient African Kings and Queens and to present
day positive Black contributors. (No ghosts, goblins or witches!)
COST: $8.00 in advance (purchase at Roots) $10.00 at the door
CONTACT: Purchase tickets at Roots Public Charter School. Call (202) 882-8073
for more information.
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WHAT: High School Fair @ Tree of Life Community PCS
WHEN: Friday October 21, 2011 from 1-3 pm
WHERE: Tree of Life PCS 2315 18th PL NE Washington D.C., DC 20018
DETAILS: Tree of Life PCS is having a high school fair for its 7th and 8th grade students and families to learn about public charter and private high school programs.
CONTACT: Ms. Malene Kambon at 202.832.1108 ext. 21 to register your school or email mkambon@treeoflifepcs.org
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WHAT: As of Wednesday September 21, The Inspired Teaching School, a DC
demonstration public charter school, still has openings in pre-K (age
4), K, 2nd and 3rd grade.
DETAILS: The Inspired Teaching Demonstration Public Charter School is focused
on developing student's Intellect, Inquiry, Imagination and
Integrity. The school is centered around the belief that children
have an innate desire to learn, that every child can be successful in
a school context, and that children's energy and individuality are
assets, not obstacles. Students will learn to read and write and
achieve at high levels without having to surrender their intellectual
curiosity and passion for learning.This year the school serves students Preschool (age 3) through 3rd grade and will grow grade by grade to be Preschool through 8th grade.
Each classroom is staffed by two teachers (a Master and a Resident).
Afterschool care is provided until 6pm. The school will implement the philosophy and instructional approach of the Center for Inspired Teaching, a DC-based education organization
that has served DC teachers and students since 1995.
INFORMATION: Apply now! www.inspiredteachingschool.org 4401 8th St, NE 202-462-1956
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UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
WHAT: FREE! Screening of WAITING FOR “SUPERMAN”, followed by a panel conversation.
WHEN: Saturday, October 22 at 12:00-3:30 pm (12:15-2:00 pm screening; 2:15-3:30 pm panel conversation)
WHERE: Shaw at Garnet-Patterson Jr. High, 2001 10th Street, NW. And following the program, keep the conversation going with networking at Duffy's Irish Pub (2106 Vermont Avenue, NW) at 3:45 pm.
WHAT: Screening of WAITING FOR “SUPERMAN”, followed by a panel conversation.
DETAILS: Please follow this link for the event’s website where you can register for tickets, learn more about the panel. http://waitingforsupermanustreetdc.eventbrite.com
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WHAT: Halloween at the Medical Museum: Serious Fun with Skulls
WHEN: Saturday, October 22, 2011, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
WHERE: National Museum of Health and Medicine, 2500 Linden Lane Silver Spring, MD 20910
COST: Free!
DETAILS: The National Museum of Health and Medicine invites little ghouls and their families to get into the Halloween spirit by learning about skulls. The theme of the program is Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, a holiday that celebrates the human cycle of life and death. Learn about the traditions associated with Día de los Muertos by decorating your own sugar skull (1st grade and up); participating in story time with books about Day of the Dead and skeletons; making your own skull mask; and hearing all about skulls from an anthropologist. Halloween costumes are welcome! For more information, please call 301-319-3303 or visit http://nmhm.washingtondc.museum.
NOTE: The National Museum of Health and Medicine is now located at 2500 Linden Lane, Silver Spring, MD 20910, just outside of the Fort Detrick-Forest Glen Annex. A designated visitor parking lot is located directly off Linden Lane in front of the Museum (do not enter the Annex gates). Adult visitors will need to present photo ID upon entry to the Museum.
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WHAT: Improving DC Students’ Knowledge: The 2011 DC College Fair
WHERE: Washington Convention Center
WHEN: October 18, 2011
9am-10am (middle school)
11am-1pm (high school)
6pm-8pm (high school and parents)
CONTACT: Countdown to College and Careers www.countdown2college.org
Cianna Ramble, Executive Director, cramble@countdown2college.org, (202) 499-9634
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YOUTH PROGRAMS / CLASSES / CAMPS
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WHAT: Prata Creative “Spanish Playshops” Fall 2011 Session – Registration OPEN
WHEN: Every Saturday, Sept 10 - Nov 5 in Columbia Heights and Capitol Hill.
WHERE: Josephine Butler Parks Center, 2437 15th St. NW, WDC 20009 OR 1325 Maryland Ave. NE, WDC 20002 (Free parking behind both locations)
DETAILS: A “Fun+Learn” immersion experience for young children to learn Spanish naturally through conversation and play! Parents and Tots 1 & 2 yrs, 9:30 – 10:20am; Just Kids 3 – 4 yrs. 10:30-11:20am; Cost $190+tax/child
CONTACT: Register online, www.pratacreative.com or call, 202.656.0044
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WHAT: The Young Masters, Inc. invites you to Diana's Dreams &The Young Master's Tennis Team (National Junior Tennis (NJTL) and Learning/(Community Tennis)
WHEN: Saturdays from 2 PM to 4 PM now thru November 2011- (The Young Master's Tennis Team is an ongoing community tennis league)
WHERE: Mosley (Taft) Athletic Complex at South Dakota & 20th & Otis Streets, NE, WDC
DETAILS: The Young Masters, INC. is looking for talented young girls and boys. Whether you're new to tennis (no racket needed), you play a little or a lot...allages are welcome to come and have fun. "Children learn life skills through tennis" (Coach Thompson). See you this Saturday!
COST: Diana's Dreams is free, there is a nominal fee to participate on the The Young Master's NJTL membership team.
CONTACT: Coach Thompson at 202-269-3067. You may also email the Young Masters at Youngmastersinc@aol.com.
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WHAT: DC Youth Orchestra Program Classes and Rehearsals
WHEN: September 2011- January 2012
WHERE: Eastern HS, 1700 East Capitol St. NE, Washington, DC 20003
DETAILS: The DCYOP offers a comprehensive music education program that serves young people in the greater DC metropolitan area. Instruction is available for all orchestra and wind ensemble (band) instruments; beginning, intermediate, and advanced students, ranging in age from 4 1/2 to 19. Students participate in classes for their individual instrument or section, and participate in one of 9 major ensembles (orchestra or band). There are 12 ensembles in the program: 2 full orchestras, 4 string orchestras, 3 wind ensembles, 2 string orchestras, and multiple class ensembles. Some students in upper levels also participate in smaller chamber ensemble opportunities as they arise. Beginners must be in classes by Tuesday, September 27 or October 1 depending on class day and those with experience on their respective instrument can join the program at any time.
CONTACT: For more information, contact the DC Youth Orchestra Program at either info@dcyop.org or 202.698.0123 and please visit our website www.dcyop.org.
WHAT: Free After-School Classes
DETAILS: Art and Media Classes at the Latin American Youth Center's Art + Media House
WHO: Open to all students ages 11-18.
WHEN: Generation Creation: Tuesdays and Thursdays
Workshops: Mondays and Wednesdays
Open Studio: Fridays
SIGN UP: Please enroll at www.artmediahouse.org or visit us at 3035 15th St. NW
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SCHOLARSHIP/GRANT OPPORTUNITIES
WHAT: USDA Announces Grants to Improve the Health and Future of America's Children
DETAILS: USDA announced investments across the country, including in D.C., to help children develop positive nutrition and physical activity habits that can lead to healthier lifestyles. The grants will provide nutrition education materials, resources for children and parents, and technical assistance and training for school food service providers and communities participating in the National School Lunch and Child and Adult Care Food Programs.
INFORMATION: Read the full press release here <http://www.fns.usda.gov/cga/PressReleases/2011/0401.htm>
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WHAT: Grants available to help implement Chefs Move To Schools
WHEN: Applications due December 30
DETAILS: The Culinary Trust <http://www.theculinarytrust.org/> is proud to announce a grant program for culinary professionals to help implement Michelle Obama's Chefs Move to Schools initiative. Grants may be used for gardens, curriculum, cooking classes, cafeteria, etc. The grants are aimed at encouraging individual culinary professionals to volunteer at Title I schools throughout the country.
INFORMATION: More information and application can be found here <http://www.theculinarytrust.org/#!chefs-move-to-school> .
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WHAT: Whole Kids Foundation School Garden Grant Program
WHEN: Applications due December 31
The Whole Kids Foundation, a nonprofit organization created by Whole Foods Market <http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/values/giving.php> to support schools and inspire families to improve children’s nutrition and wellness, is accepting grant applications for its first major initiative, the School Garden Grant Program. Grants of $2,000, along with curriculum and mentorship resources, will be provided to one thousand schools and garden-related nonprofit organizations to support the launch or expansion of school gardens.
INFORMATION: More information here <http://wholekidsfoundation.org/gardengrants.php> .
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COMMUNITY RESOURCES
WHAT: Medical Museum Science Café, Frontline to Front Page: Covering the War in Afghanistan with Photographer Louie Palu
WHEN: Tuesday, October 11, 2011, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
WHERE: Silver Spring Civic Center, Fenton Room 1 Veterans Place
Silver Spring, MD 2091
DETAILS: From 2006 to 2010, award-winning photographer and fellow of the New America Foundation Louie Palu covered the war in Afghanistan, documenting more than 100 aeromedical evacuation missions in Kandahar last year. Plan now to hear from Palu on his experiences covering the conflict in Afghanistan. Presented by the National Museum of Health and Medicine. For more information, call 301-319-3303 or visit www.nmhm.washingtondc.museum.
COST: Free
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WHAT: AFRICA ACCESS is hosting the African Studies 2011 Annual Meeting, Teaching & Learning About Africa,
WHEN: November 18-19
WHERE: here in Washington, DC at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel
REGISTRATION: Register today online at http://teachingforchange.org/store/registration_individual or email Jonathan Tucker at jtucker@teachingforchange.org. The first ten people to register will receive a free gift book!
DETAILS: The Children’s Africana Book Awards Ceremony will take place on Friday, November 18 at 6:30pm and Teacher’s Workshops will take place on Saturday, November 19 from 8am to 3:30pm. There will be book sales, author signings, and workshops and panels on K-12 teaching about Africa. Questions about the K-12 Teachers' Workshop content and schedule?
CONTACT: Brenda Randolph at AfricaAccess@aol.com.
INFORMATION: Scheduled workshops include:
Mistaking Africa: Curiosities and Inventions of the American Mind
Mighty Maps: Hands-on Project for Studying Africa in Contemporary Ways
Wangari Maathai and the Green Belt Movement - Human Rights and the Environment
Teaching about Africa in a Global Perspective
Discovering Africa in America: Recent Research and Resources
Understanding Recent Developments in North Africa
African Novels in the Classroom
Interpreting Crises, Celebrating Success: Helping Students Understand Post-colonial Africa
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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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