Chart Chat 12/14/11
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: http://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 http://charterchat@focusdc.org to submit youth-oriented and family-friendly eveƒnts 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.
---------------------
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
-----------------------
CHARTER SCHOOL EVENTS
-----------------
WHAT: 3rd Annual D.C. Public Charter School Recruitment Expo
WHEN: Saturday, January 7th, 2012 from 12 noon – 4:00pm
WHERE: Washington Convention Center 801 Mt. Vernon Place NW Washington, D.C. 20001 (yellow line, Mt. Vernon Convention Center metro stop)
DETAILS: The Public Charter Expo will be a one-stop opportunity to learn about the diverse array of charter school options available to students and families in Washington, D.C. Are you looking to enroll you child in a school? Or perhaps you are looking to teach in a public charter school. DC Public Charter Schools are tuition-free autonomous public schools that serve approximately 40% of the District’s public school children. There will be children’s entertainment & giveaways.
DIRECTIONS: Take Metro right to the Convention Center to avoid traffic and parking challenges.
REGISTER HERE: This event is free of charge but please visit http://focusdc.org/workshops and click on “3rd annual charter school recruitment expo” to register. Call 202/328-2660 if you have questions. Tell your friends!
---------------------
WHAT: Edgewood Elementary Winter Arts Festival
DETAILS: Edgewood Elementary Preppies showcase their artistic skills.
WHERE: 707 Edgewood Street, NE Washington, DC 20017
WHEN: December 15th Early Childhood runs from 9-9:35AM; K-1st runs from 10-10:45AM; and 2nd-3rd runs from 2:30-3:15PM.
---------------------
WHAT: Howard University Math and Science Public Charter Middle School Open House
WHEN: December 17th, 2011 1 pm
WHERE: 405 Howard Place Washington, DC 20059
WHO: For SY 2012-2013 Prospective Students Grades 6-8
CONTACT: For more information, please visit our website at www.howard.edu/ms2 or contact us at 202-806-7725
------------------------
WHAT: CentroNía/DC Bilingual PCS Winter “ROCKS!” Camp
WHEN: December 22, 23, 27, 28, 29 & 30 2011
WHERE: 1420 Columbia Rd. NW. Metro: Green line to Columbia Heights
INFO: CentroNía’s Winter “ROCKS!” Camp is now accepting applications for students K-7th grade. We will offer services on December 22, 23, 27, 28, 29 and 30. We are open from 7am-6pm. We will provide a healthy breakfast, lunch and snack to all students enrolled in the program. Fun arts, sports, dance activities and field trip are planned for all students!! Contact the admissions office at 202-332-4200 ext#. 1025.
-------------------
WHAT: The Fine Arts Academy of Friendship Collegiate Academy presents: “Annie The Musical”
WHEN: Thursday, Dec. 15 6:30 pm; Saturday, Dec. 17 2 pm and 6:30 pm; Sunday, Dec. 18 2 pm
WHERE: Friendship Collegiate Academy 4095 Minnesota Avenue NE Washington, D.C. 200019
COST: Pre-Sale Tickets for $7; Tickets at the door for $10
BUY TICKETS: Contact Dayton Watkins at (202)396-5500
------------------
WHAT: Seasonal Celebration featuring ATA’s Strings, Band, Choir, Dance Ensemble, Visual Artists and select performances
WHEN: December 15, 2011 6 pm
WHERE: Arts & Technology Academy, 5300 Blaine Street, NE, School Auditorium
COST: $2.00 (tickets sold in advance)
DETAILS: Tickets can be purchased at ATA beginning November 21st
CONTACT: For more information, contact Daphne Dunston-Wharton, Director of Arts Programming – 398-6811 ext. 5004
------------------
UPCOMING LOCAL ADVOCACY EVENTS
-----------------
WHAT: Public Education Finance Reform Commission
WHEN: TONIGHT! Wednesday, December 14. The Commission will meet via conference call from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. We invite you to listen to the Commission meeting by joining via computer or phone.
WHO: D.C. Families and Community Partners
WHERE: To join from your computer (preferred), please click here.
To join from a phone, dial (408) 600-3600 and enter the code “661 559 456.”
The meeting agenda is posted on the Meetings page of this website. Meeting documents will be posted on the Documents page by the end of the business day today.
DETAILS: The meeting agenda is posted on the Meetings page of this website. Meeting documents will be posted on the Documents page by the end of the business day today.
We invite public comment on the meeting documents until 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 14. You can get in touch with the Commission by emailing http://info@pefrc.org, calling 1-202-688-5438, leaving a comment on this website, or posting on the Commission's Facebook page.
---------------------
WHAT: D.C.’s Public Charter School Board Community Meeting
DETAILS: The DC Public Charter School Board will host community meetings throughout the city to explain to parents and community members the school report cards that are being released for each charter school. Each report card highlights the school's academic performance for the previous school year.
WHO: For community members in Wards 1 & 4
WHEN: TONIGHT! Dec 14, 2011 6:00-7:00 p.m.
WHERE: Capital City PCS – Lower Campus – 3047 15th Street, NW, 20009
CONTACT: To RSVP for this event, call (202) 328-2660 or email:
dcpublic@dcpubliccharter.com.
-------------------------
WHAT: Get-Out-The-Vote (GOTV) and Civic Engagement Workshop
WHEN: Saturday, December 17, 2011 10 am - 3 pm
WHERE: NAACP Financial Freedom Center 1816 12th St NW, Washington, DC
(accessible by U St/Cardozo Metro)
For more information, please email http://socialaction@thefcacdst.org or visit the website at http://www.thefcacdst.org
-----------------------
WHAT: Mayor Gray’s Ward 3 Youth Town Hall
WHERE: Woodrow Wilson High School 3950 Chesapeake St NW Washington, DC 20016
WHEN: 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm
WHO: Are you age 21 or under? Do you want your voice to be heard? Do you want to make a difference in your community? If yes to all of the above, then Mayor Gray wants to hear from you! Come share your ideas on issues that impact youth in the District of Columbia.
------------------------
CHILDREN’S EVENTS, CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS
-------------------------
WHAT: D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation announce: Winter Wondercamp!
There will be three separate day camp offerings, each for four full days, tailored to the needs and interests of specific age groups. The over-arching theme for the camps will incorporate DPR’s “Move, Grow, and Be Green” philosophy, as we plant the seeds of personal development and environmental responsibility. DPR strives to meet the needs of District families when local schools close for the winter break.
WHO: For the youngest (ages 3-5 years old), we will offer full day camp that will include sports activities, arts & crafts, and at least one field trip. For children aged 6-12 years old we will have a similar program; however, it will encompass more challenging and engaging activities. There will also be an Aqua Day camp, where the children will focus on developing skills and confidence related to swimming and being in the water. All three camps should be fun as well as enriching for our city’s children!
REGISTER: Registration for the 2012 Winter Wondercamp will open on Friday, December 9, 2011 at 10:00am. Space fills on a first-come, first-serve basis and enrollment is subject to availability. It is recommended that parents create an online DPR account for all members of their family in our registration system prior to the registration period in order to be best prepared. To register, visit the Winter Wondercamp webpage and follow the registration process.
COST: $40 per child; due at registration (please see refund policy below)
$20 per child for Before-/After-care; due at registration
CONTACT: For information on DPR programs and events visit our website, DPR.DC.GOV, or follow us on Twitter, @DCDPR.
-------------------------
WHAT: Prata Creative “Spanish Playshops” Winter 2012 Session – Registration OPEN
WHY: A “Fun+Learn” immersion experience for young children to learn Spanish naturally through conversation and play!
WHEN: Every Saturday, Jan 14 – Mar 10 in Columbia Heights and Capitol Hill. (9 weeks)
WHERE: Josephine Butler Parks Center, 2437 15th St. NW, WDC 20009 OR 1325 Maryland Ave. NE, WDC 20002 (Free parking behind both locations)
DETAILS: 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, 202.872.4548
-----------------------
WHAT: Imagine a science & math competition for middle school students where winners can receive $8,000 each in U.S. Savings Bonds and both students and teachers have access to professional scientists and engineers online as mentors and guides…eCYBERMISSION, a free, web-based Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math competition sponsored by the ARMY.
WHO: Students in grades 6 - 9 So far, just 25 District of Columbia students have signed up for this year's contest, and 17 are from one private school. Since each state choose a winner, these students have a good chance of winning the prize just by showing up. You can learn more about the contest at http://teachers.egfi-k12.org/army-ecybermission-begins/
REGISTRATION: The deadline is December 16th
-------------------------------
WHAT: Developmental Playgroups for children from 6 months to 3 years of age
WHEN: Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays(weekly), Saturdays(1st and third week of the month), Thursdays(bimonthly)
WHERE: Mary’s Center: 2355 Ontario Rd. NW (Mondays), Lt. Joseph P. Kennedy Institute: 801 Buchanan St. NE(Tuesdays, 1st and 3rd Saturdays, Thursdays bimonthly), The Hill Center: 921 Pennsylvania Avenue SE (Wednesdays)
COST: Free!
DETAILS: Are you looking for ways to interact and stimulate your infant or toddler’s growth and development? Strong Start, DC Early Intervention Program, is proud to present Development Play Groups for children from 6 months to 3 years of age. These play groups are designed to foster communication, cognitive, social, and motor development skills. If your child is currently part of the D.C. Early Intervention Program or if you have a typically developing child who you would like to participate, spaces are available at all locations. If you have questions or would like to register please contact Yolanda Lusane at 202-489-8176, Lesley Nesmith at 202-300-8650 or Jennifer Gee at Jennifer.gee@dc.gov.
----------------
WHAT: The Children’s Theater Workshop at The Performing Arts Training Studio is partnering with Knock On Wood Tap studios for a four day winter break camp.
WHO: Students in grades 3rd - 6th will have a fun-filled four day creativity camp with acting, movement and costume design. Students will culminate the winter break camp with a short performance on the final day at 3:30pm.
WHEN: 12/27 - 12/30 9am - 4pm
COST: $260 (extended care available)
WHERE: 6925 Willow St. NW 1st floor
DETAILS: Students bring a non perishable lunch.
REGISTER: online click here.
-----------------------
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND JOB OPPORTUNITIES
--------------------
WHAT: New Leaders Second Annual Leadership Symposium
"Bench Strength: Leveraging the Leadership Community for Success and Sustainability"
WHEN: January 25, 2012 8:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m. *Special Event for New Leaders from 12:00 p.m.--1:30 pm
WHERE: PEW Charitable Trusts │901 E St. NW, Washington, DC 20004
DETAILS: New Leaders cordially invites DC school leaders to participate in this robust symposium on pipeline development, leadership retention, succession planning, and sustainability. All DC principals, principal managers, executive leaders, and charter board members are invited to participate. Don't miss an extraordinary opportunity to gain and share learning through case studies, panels, and work sessions! Together, we have the answers!
INFORMATION: Contact Alicia Adams, Managing Director of Program, at http://aadams@newleaders.org.
RSVP: Contact Warren Palmer II, Program Manager, at http://wpalmer@newleaders.org.
-------------------------
WHAT: Manager of Family Engagement and Student Recruitment – DC Scholars PCS, Washington, D.C.
WHO: DC Scholars PCS is looking for a Manager of Family Engagement and Student Recruitment to ensure that school is fully enrolled with students when the school opens in August 2012. The Manager should have extensive knowledge of neighborhoods and community resources in Wards 7 and 8. As the face of DC Scholars PCS in the community, they should be comfortable engaging with a variety of constituents and building new and long-lasting relationships. We are seeking an exceptionally relentless and driven professional who is comfortable in an entrepreneurial environment.
MORE INFORMATION AND APPLICATION: https://scholarpa.schoolrecruiter.net/ViewJob.aspx?JobID=68
----------------------
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
----------------