Charter Chat 07/27/11
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.
DEMOCRACY IN ACTION
WHAT: Youth Town Hall Meeting with Mayor Vincent C. Gray
WHEN: Saturday, July 30, 2011, 11:00 AM-1:00 PM
WHERE: THEARC, 1901 Mississippi Avenue SE, WDC 20020
DETAILS: Mayor Vincent C. Gray will be convening his first of several monthly Youth Town Hall Meetings at THEARC in Ward 8. D.C. youth, ages 21 and under, are invited to attend. This Meeting is a great opportunity for our youth to engage Mayor Gray in dialogue regarding their ideas and issues of importance to them.
CONTACT: For more information, contact the DC Youth Advisory Council Office at either dcyac@dc.gov or 202.727.7966.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
WHAT: DC Budget 101 Workshop
WHEN: Thursday, July 28, 2011, 9:30-11:30 AM
WHERE: DC Children and Youth Investment Trust Corporation, 1400 16th Street NW, WDC 20036
DETAILS: As a participant of this workshop, you will learn about the budget process, the roles of the various agencies, advocacy intervention points, key terms, what those darned acronyms stand for, where to get a copy of the budget, and much more.
COST: $40 for workshop fee (including materials, juice, water, tea and coffee) – registration and repayment are required.
CONTACT: To RSVP, sign up at http://helpingothersbetter.blogspot.com/p/dc-budget-workshops.html. For further questions, call Susie Cambria at 301.832.2339.
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WHAT: Webinar on How to Get your Child’s School to Listen
DEADLINE: No later than COB on Wednesday, July 27 – TODAY!
WHEN: Thursday, July 28, 2011, 11:00 AM-12:00 PM
DETAILS: Because school will be starting shortly and the one thing that will help all children to move forward is good communication between parents and their school. This webinar will cover such topics as…
• What it means to be a parent/professional when it comes to your child education
• Knowing your child’s educational needs
• Developing a business-like relationship with child’s school
• Crisis management
• Developing a master plan
• Preparing for meetings
• Keeping good records
COST: Free
CONTACT: To RSVP, please send an email of interest to shanta.hendry@aje-dc.org for further instructions on how to login into the call.
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WHAT: Shark Weekend at National Aquarium
WHEN: Saturday, July 30, 2011, 10:00 AM-4:00 PM
WHERE: National Aquarium, 14th Street and Constitution Avenue NW, WDC 20230
DETAILS: They’ve roamed the world’s oceans for millions of years; yet are still among the least understood animals. Celebrate Shark Weekend at the National Aquarium in Washington, DC by getting up close and personal with several shark species and learn from leading experts on the history, lives and habits of one of the world’s most fascinating ocean dwellers. Visitors will be able to participate in a scavenger hunt, touch actual shark teeth, enjoy live entertainment, get their faces painted, and even take a picture with our very own, Sherman the Shark.
CONTACT: For more information, call 202.482.2825 or visit www.nationalaquarium.org.
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First Reminder
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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WHAT: Small Business Brief Advice Legal Clinic
WHEN: Saturday, July 30, 2011, 9:30 AM-12:00 PM
WHERE: DC Women’s Business Center, 727 15th Street NW, 10th Floor, WDC 20005
DETAILS: The DC Women's Business Center and the DC Bar Pro Bono Program are working together to offer this free legal clinic. This clinic is for aspiring or existing small business owners. Attendees will meet one-on-one with attorneys for brief advice on any legal issues their businesses may be facing.
CONTACT: For more information, call Darryl Maxwell at 202.737.4700 ext 3369 or email dmaxwell@dcbar.org.
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WHAT: Challenge Antarctica – A Family Workshop at National Geographic Museum
WHEN: Sunday, July 31, 2011, 1:00-2:00 PM
WHERE: National Geographic Museum, 1145 17th Street NW, WDC 20036
DETAILS: One hundred years ago Antarctica was a mysterious, largely unexplored continent. Two teams led by Britain’s Robert F. Scott and Norway’s Roald Amundsen braved starvation and harsh weather conditions in a race to be first to the South Pole. Pack your bags, plan your trip, and join them on an adventure of a lifetime. Each decision you make will be critical to your success and survival. Will you choose fur or wool clothing? Will you ski to the South Pole? Be pulled by a dogsled? Use a motorized vehicle? What will you take to eat? What kind of shelter will you build to wait out the long Antarctic winter? Do you have what it takes? Advance registeration is required.
CONTACT: To sign up, email natgeomuseum@ngs.org to register. For more information, visit http://events.nationalgeographic.com/events/special-events/2011/06/26/challenge-antarctica.
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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
Second 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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Second 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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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
WHAT: Greater Washington Career Symposium
WHEN: Saturday, July 30, 2011, 10:00 AM-3:00 PM
WHERE: JW Marriott Capital, Grand Ballroom, 1331 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, 20045
DETAILS: For families, students, parents, colleges, universities, corporations, government agencies and educators, this is an opportunity to find the roadmap to colleges, careers, and network.
CONTACT: For more information, call 865.357.4545 or email LaRay Benton at laray.benton@nrc.gov.
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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
WHAT: Rising Student Entrepreneurs Asking for Your Community Support
DETAILS: Seven-year-old Brett is now the owner of his brand new online store - Brett's Trove! Right by his side is his little five-year-old cousin, Madison, former DC Prep student, also known as "Sweet Maddie”. Maddie's new online boutique is called Maddie's Trove! Together Brett's Trove and Maddie's Trove form the Trove Collection - Children Creating Cool Clothes to Collect Coins for College! A portion of the proceeds will go towards Brett and Maddie's college funds and another portion will be donated to the Stephen Joel Trachtenberg Scholarship Program, which provides both selected DC charter and public school students full scholarships to George Washington University.
CONTACT: Show your support by visiting Brett’s Trove at www.zazzle.com/brettstrove and visiting Maddie’s Trove at www.zazzle.com/maddiestrove.
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WHAT: The National Guard’s Mobile Learning Center – “The Energy Lab”
WHEN: Thursday, July 28, 2011
WHERE: Gaylord National Harbor, 201 Waterfront Street, National Harbor, MD 20745
DETAILS: The MLC is a mobile classroom that has visited over 10 cities across the United States providing 11th and 12th grade students in underserved communities the opportunity to experience hands on, interactive STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) activities. It has been inspiring to watch the young people of our nation get excited about science and math. Don’t miss this opportunity to view and experience the National Guard’s State of the Art Mobile classroom. It is a wonderful experience.
CONTACT: For more information, call Megan DaGraca at 703.519.6698 or email mdagraca@redpeg.com.
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WHAT: National Night Out Against Crime – Hillcrest Neighborhood Watch
WHEN: Tuesday, August 2, 2011, 6:30-8:30 PM
WHERE: East Washington Heights Baptist Church, 2220 Branch Avenue SE, WDC 20020
DETAILS: As it will be the 28th Annual National Night Out, sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch, everyone should turn on their outdoor and front porch lights as a symbol of unity in the fight against crime. We also should take the time to try to meet all the neighbors on our block. Knowing our neighbors and looking out for each other is one of the greatest deterrents against crime in our neighborhoods. So bike or hike to East Washington Heights. All are welcome to come out and share public safety concerns with your neighbors and our 6D MPDC police. Refreshments served.
CONTACT: Ready to get involved? Register at http://www.nationalnightout.org/nno/.
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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! We'd love to connect with you! 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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