Chart Chat 09/21/11
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. Our time is now and we need 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: Council Chairman Kwame R. Brown announces a public oversight roundtable by the Committee of the Whole to hear views on middle education from District students. The purpose of this public oversight roundtable is to hear public testimony from District of Columbia youth regarding issues that impact their lives.
WHEN: The hearing will occur on Saturday, September 24, 2011, at 10:00 a.m.,
WHERE: Council Chamber Room (500) of the John A. Wilson Building, which is located at 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20004.
DETAILS: Youth, aged 21 and younger, who wish to testify at this public oversight roundtable should contact the Council’s Office of Youth Programs at (202) 724-8161 to register or by email at youthprograms@dccouncil.us. Witnesses may also register online by visiting www.dccouncil.us/youthhearings. When registering to testify, persons should leave their name, telephone number, email and mailing addresses, and organizations they are representing, if any. Each person presenting oral testimony may be limited to THREE (3) minutes in order to permit each witness an opportunity to be heard.
Written testimonies are strongly encouraged and will be made a part of the Council’s official record. Witnesses interested in submitting written testimony are requested to either provide 20 copies of their testimony on the day of this roundtable or submit one copy by Thursday, September 22, 2011. Written testimony should be submitted to the Council’s Office of Youth Programs, located at the John A. Wilson Building, 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Suite 11, Washington, D.C. 20004, emailed to youthprograms@dccouncil.us
REGISTER: Witnesses must be registered by the close of business on Thursday, September 22, 2011.
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WHAT: DC Prep PCS Back to School Bash!
WHEN: Friday, September 23rd from 7-10 PM (with school tours beginning at 6:30)
WHERE: At DC Prep’s Edgewood Elementary Campus, 707 Edgewood St. NE
DETAILS: Does September make you yearn for a new notebook, pencil box, and fantastic first-day-of-school outfit? If so, then join the fun at DC Prep’s Back to School Bash! There will be drinks of all varieties, delicious food, and dancing. DC Prep has a great track record and an exciting future ahead. We are ready to celebrate!
COST: $100 per person (The whole cost of the event will be underwritten, so every penny will go to the school!).
CONTACT: Buy tickets online at http://www.dcprep.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=news.welcome&newsid=302 or call 202.635.4590 with any questions
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UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
WHAT: 3rd Annual Moving Forward Together Secondary Transition Community Forum
WHEN: September 24th 9 am – 1 pm
WHERE: Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library 901 G Street NW Washington, D.C
DETAILS: Youth and young adults with disabilities, families/caregivers, educators, and community organizations are invited to take part in workshops on adaptive technology, IEP transition plans, employment, transition to college, and government benefits.
COST: FREE! Plus box lunches and refreshments provided.
REGISTER: Visit www.dctransition.org to register or contact Leila Peterson at leila.peterson@schooltalkdc.org or (202)907-6887 for more information.
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WHAT: Free Family-Friendly events during the run of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma!
WHERE: Mead Center (1101 Sixth Street SW)
WHEN: Saturday afternoons during the run of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Oklahoma!from 12:30-1:30 p.m., prior to the 2:00 p.m. matinee.
DETAILS: Come enjoy a petting zoo on the Sixth Street sidewalk with the return of Pony To Go. Pony To Go has a wide variety of animals including ponies, snakes, sheep, ducks, guinea pigs, turtles, pigs, rabbits and goats. Pony To Go will be present every Saturday through October 1st, excluding dates when other special events are scheduled (7/30, 8/13 and 9/24). This is fun for the whole family. For more information please go to www.arenastage.org or call 202-488-3300.
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YOUTH PROGRAMS / CLASSES / CAMPS
WHAT: The American Youth Chorus is Seeking New Voices
DETAILS: The American Youth Chorus, the youth outreach of the famed Congressional Chorus of Washington, is seeking new voices and fresh faces for its Junior and Senior Divisions for the upcoming season!
Children ages 8-14 from DC, MD and VA are encouraged to audition for the chorus, which consists of approximately 65 students from across the Washington DC metro region. No preparation or experience is necessary, a simple session with the Artistic Director will take about 15 minutes. Potential singers need not prepare a song in advance. The artistic director will run some scales and warm-ups with your child and have him or her sing something familiar such as “Happy Birthday.”
WHEN: Rehearsals are held on Tuesdays (ages 8-10) and Thursdays (ages 11-14) from 4:30 – 6 pm
WHERE: Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St NE, Washington DC.
Past performances have taken place at the Kennedy Center, the US Capitol Building, an Inaugural Children’s Ball, the Smithsonian Folklife Festival with the Welsh National Opera, and for the Kennedy Center Honorees awards dinner. The chorus has been featured on CBS, CNN and C-SPAN.
TO SCHEDULE AN AUDITION: please email Debby_McConnell@congressionalchorus.org
or call 202-399-7993, x182.
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WHAT: The Children's Chorus of Washington (CCW) – a great local organization -- is
holding auditions for the 2011-2012 season that begins next month.
DETAILS: The more advanced groups participate in domestic and international tours
and in performances with the National Symphony Orchestra and adult professional
choruses at venues like the Kennedy Center and Strathmore Hall.
Girls and boys with unchanged voices, ages 9-16 can try out for placement in
CCW's Treble, Bel Canto and Concert Choruses. Boys with changed voices can try
out for the new Young Men's Ensemble. Tuition scholarships are provided to all
students with demonstrated financial needs.
TO SCHEDULE AN AUDITION: no preparation or experience is necessary; just call (202)
237-1005 to schedule an appointment for a simple individual hearing with
Artistic Director, Ms. Joan Gregory.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: please visit http://www.childrenschorus.com or call Sophie Maupoil at (202)
237-1005.
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WHAT: College Bound - Academic Mentoring Program
WHEN: September 2011 – May 2011
WHERE: Gonzaga College High School, Chavez Public Charter School on Capitol Hill, Sherwood Recreation Center, Beacon House Recreation Center or Black Entertainment Television
DETAILS: At site students are matched in a one-to-one relationship with a college educated mentor who implements our college prep curriculum focused on vocabulary, writing, reading and math skills. The program commitment is one night a week for two hours. Students also participate in mentoring activities monthly and enrichment activities throughout the year.
COST: FREE
CONTACT: Toronto Alsbrooks at (202)842-0858 or toronto@collegebound.org
Application available at http://www.collegebound.org
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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 National Junior Tennis (NJTL) and Learning/(Community Tennis)
WHEN: Saturdays from 2 PM to 4 PM now thru November 2011
Where: Mosley (Taft) Athletic Complex at South Dakota & 20th & Otis Streets, NE, WDC
DETAILS: The Young Masters, INC. is looking for talented young athletes. Whether you're new to tennis (no racket needed), you play a little or a lot...all ages 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 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.
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JOBS /INTERNSHIPS /VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
WHAT: Volunteers Needed! Advocate for Kids in Foster Care!
DETAILS: CASA for Children of DC is looking for volunteers to work with youth in foster care. There are more than 2,000 children and youth in our city's child welfare system right now.
CASA DC recruits and trains folks from the community to advocate for children in the District of Columbia's child welfare system. Our volunteer advocates, CASA's, look out for the best interests of children by researching and gathering relevant information that they present to judges. The information CASAs gather and the recommendations they bring before the court and judge are facts that ordinarily might be overlooked. Your recommendations lead to better education outcomes and safe, loving, permanent families.
Take the Next Steps; Become a CASA!
WHEN: CASA Summer Training Starts SEPTEMBER 13th!
Classes will take place Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 6-9pm.
REQUIREMENTS:
* You must be at least 21 years of age;
* Consent to a criminal background check;
* Attend a new volunteer training (30 hours);
* Commit to one year of service; and
* Spend 10-15 hours on a case each month.
APPLY: To join this session or to learn more about our program and future trainings, contact me at 202-887-0007 ext. 101 or via email at rhalsey@casadc.org TODAY.
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WHAT: 8th Biennial US-Africa Business Summit
WHEN: October 5, 2011 – October 7, 2011
WHERE: The Washington Marriott Wardman Park Hotel
2660 Woodley Park Road NW, Washington, DC 20008
DETAILS: The Corporate Council on Africa (CCA), whose members represent 85 percent of total American private sector investment in Africa, will convene the 8th Biennial U.S.-Africa Business Summit on October 5-7, 2011 at the Washington Marriott Wardman Park Hotel. The U.S.-Africa Business Summit is regarded as essential for anyone looking to do business in Africa. It provides a unique opportunity for companies seeking to develop and strengthen relationships with senior government and corporate leaders charged with enhancing and increasing business operations on the continent. The Summit will address the latest trade and investment opportunities in Africa’s most promising sectors including agribusiness, power and energy, financing, health, infrastructure, and goods and services, with as many as 2,000 key African and U.S. private sector and government representatives in attendance. For more information please visit www.africacncl.org.
CONTACT: Please e-mail resume and shift availability to summit@africacncl.org with the subject line: Volunteer Recruitment.
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COMMUNITY RESOURCES
WHAT: Free After-School Classes
DETAILS: Art and Media Classes at the Latin American Youth Center's Art + Media House
WHO: Open to all DCPS 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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WHAT: D.C. Association of Chartered Public Schools’ Math Support Program
WHO: Pre-K through Adults
WHEN: September 27 Pre-K through Grade 3
October 11 Grades 4 – 6
October 18 Grades 7 – 9
October 25 Grades 10 – Adult
WHERE: D.C. Association of Chartered Public Schools’ office
1300 Allison Street NW, Suite 100 Washington, D.C. 20011
RSVP: Before September 23rd to redelin@dcaps.org
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WHAT: Brightwood Day 2011
WHO: All are welcome
WHERE: on the yard beside St. John’s United Baptist Church (Corner of Piney Branch and Tuckerman)
WHEN: September 24, 2011 11 am – 5 pm
DETAILS: Join the Brightwood Community Association for a day of fun with local vendors showing off their goods and services, free food & drink, a moonbounce and more great events for kids.
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SCHOLARSHIPS AND AWARDS
WHAT: Action for Healthy Kids Grant Opportunity
DETAILS: Action for Healthy Kids will provide grants to 40 Parent Teacher Associations (PTA), Parent Teacher Organizations (PTO) or school wellness councils of up to $1,000 to support implementation of Game On! Grants are available to schools in Washington, D.C. and the following states: Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York and Virginia. Selected schools will also receive technical support from Action for Healthy Kids to ensure program success.
DEADLINES: September 28: Grant Proposals due, October 28: Grant agreements due, November 26: Action plans and pre-program surveys are due, May 18: Post-program surveys and action plan reports are due.
APPLY: If you are interested in joining the movement and becoming a Game On! school, please complete the grant application found here.
CONTACT: Steve Greene with questions.
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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