Chart Chat 09/28/11
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 to get involved. And we need YOU! Sign up today to join the movement at FOCUS. www.FOCUSdc.org/Join-Movement
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CHARTER SCHOOL EVENTS & OPEN HOUSES
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: CentroNia’s Family Literacy Festival
WHEN: Saturday October 1st, 2011 from Noon to 4 PM
WHERE: Deanwood Recreation Center, 1350 49th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20019
DETAILS: CentroNia is hosting a Family Book Club Festival to culminate the Family Book Clubs for the summer. We will have artists, story tellers, children’s authors, and musicians there to celebrate the end of the summer Book Clubs. Featuring, Dr. Courtney Davis, Baba Evans-Moore, Jorge Argueta, Diane Gardner, Thom Workman, Lien Ly, Salwa Osei, Matt Miller, Keinyo White, and Los Charlays!
CONTACT: Shahidah H. Abdul-Lateef Family Literacy Program Director
202.332.4200 x1075 │ slateef@centronia.org │ www.centronia.org
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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
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)8420858 or toronto@collegebound.org
Application available at 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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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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JOBS /INTERNSHIPS /VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
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: 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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