Charter Chat 02/15/12
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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VOICES UNITED FOR FAIR FUNDING
FOCUS is mobilizing supporters to fight for funding equity for public charter schools. Watch our video here from yesterday’s council hearing on fair funding and then get involved! There are many ways to support public charter schools in D.C. Find out more here: www.FOCUSdc.org/UNITED
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ATTENTION PARENTS! It’s enrollment season for D.C. public charter schools. Don’t miss the open house or enrollment deadlines! We’ve included some of the open houses in this newsletter, but you can find many more here: http://focusdc.org/content/january-dc-public-charter-school-open-houses. You can find public charter school open house information here: http://focusdc.org/content/public-charter-school-enrollment-deadline-and-information. Follow us on Twitter for daily updates on the open house schedules: www.Twitter.com/FOCUSdc
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CHARTER SCHOOL OPEN HOUSES / ENROLLMENT EVENTS
WHAT: AppleTree Early Learning PCS Open House
WHEN: Thursday, February 16th from 4:00-5:00 pm
WHERE: All AELPCS campuses; for specific campus locations, visit http://www.appletreeinstitute.org/contact
CONTACT: Visit http://www.appletreeinstitute.org/event/aelpcs-open-house-1.
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WHAT: Thurgood Marshall Academy PCS Open House
WHEN: Thursday, February 16th
WHERE: 2427 Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue SE
CONTACT: Email info@tmapchs.org or call 202 563-6862
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WHAT: Richard Wright PCS Open House
WHEN: Tuesday, February 21st from 10:00-11:00 am
WHERE: 100 41st Street NE
DETAILS: Richard Wright Public Charter School conducts Open Houses every Tuesday 10:00-11:00 am for interested families and group visits. Call our main office to schedule your school sponsored group trip to RWPCS.
CONTACT: For more information or online admission application please visit
www.RichardWrightPCS.org or call 202.388.1011
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WHAT: Arts & Technology Academy PCS Open House
WHEN: Thursday, February 23rd from 11: 30 am to 1:00 pm (lunch served) and 5:00 to 6:30 pm (dinner served)
WHERE: 5300 Blaine Street NE
CONTACT: Call 202 398-5212
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Reminder
WHAT: Septima Clark PCS Open House
WHERE: 2501 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE Washington. DC 20020
WHEN: Tuesday, February 21st from 8:30- 9:30 am. Parents may also come from 4:30 to 6:00 pm on those days as well.
CONTACT: Visit http://www.scpcs.org/welcome.aspx.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
WHAT: Roots Public Charter School & Sankofa Homeschool Community Presents: Cuba’s Greatest Army – A Tribute to the Cuban Doctors
WHEN: Thursday, February 23, 2012 at 1:30 pm
WHERE: The Johnny Wilson Multipurpose Room at Roots Public Charter School (15 Kennedy Street NW)
DETAILS: A children’s play written by Obi Egbuna Jr.
COST: FREE!
CONTACT: Call Roots Public Charter School for more at (202) 882-8073.
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Reminder
WHAT: Roots Public Charter School invites you to our Annual "Black Love" Skate Party Fundraiser.
WHEN: Sunday, February 19, 2012, 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm
WHERE: Temple Hills Skate Palace, 3132 Branch Avenue, Temple Hills, Maryland, 20748
COST: $10.00 per person includes admission and skate rentals. Purchase 4 or more tickets during your purchase and pay only $8.00 per person.
DETAILS: Purchase tickets at Roots Public Charter School, 15 Kennedy Street, NW, WDC 20011. Food and beverages sold separately. We look forward to seeing there!
CONTACT: Call Roots Public Charter School for more at (202) 882-8073.
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WHAT: 4th Annual College Round-Up Day
WHEN: Saturday, March 10, 2012
WHERE: Edgecomb Community College
DETAILS: DC high school seniors are invited to travel to Edgecombe Community College in North Carolina to meet with more than 20 post secondary institutions.
To participate, you'll need to fill out a registration form and send a copy of your transcript to the Office of Youth Programs via fax at 202 347-3040, or email to abrew@dccouncil.us. Students under the age of 18 will need to provide a signed permission form from a parent or guardian. All documents must be received by the close of business on March 2, 2012.
CONTACT: Email abrew@dccouncil.us
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SCHOLARSHIPS / CONTESTS / AWARDS
WHAT: The National Cherry Blossom Festival’s 2012 Youth Art Contest
WHEN: The deadline is Friday, March 9, 2012
DETAILS: This year marks the 100-year anniversary of Tokyo, Japan's gift of cherry trees to Washington, DC. One hundred years later, cherry trees beautify many neighborhoods in the greater Washington, DC region and the blooming of the cherry blossoms has become a symbol of springtime across the country. Think of a place in your neighborhood or in Washington, DC. What would it look like if you transformed it with cherry trees in full bloom, pink and blossom lights, or a public art project to celebrate this season? A public art exhibition showcasing the best submissions will occur during the National Cherry Blossom Festival. Contest winners will receive special prizes, public recognition, and be invited to an Awards Reception. Students in grades K-12 enrolled in DC Public and Charter Schools are eligible.
CONTACT: Visit http://www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org/in-the-community/youth-programs/youth-poster-art-contest/.
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Reminder
WHAT: The DC Children and Youth Investment Trust Corporation is proud to announce the One City Summer 2012 grant competition.
DETAILS: This grant competition invites high-performing, non-profit youth development organizations in Washington, DC that serve young people between the ages of 5-24 with programming that address key developmental outcomes to apply for summer program funding. Visit http://www.cyitc.org/grants/nofa.asp to view notice of funding availability and to register for grant technical assistance sessions listed below. Awards will be announced (via email) on April 16, 2012.
Grant Technical Assistance Sessions:
WHEN: Wednesday, January 25, 2012 from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon
WHERE: Columbia Heights Youth Club 1480 Girard St, NW
WHEN: Thursday, February 2, 2012 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00pm
WHERE: Thurgood Marshall Academy Public Charter High School
2427 Martin Luther King Avenue, SE
DEADLINE: Notice of Intent to Due February 3, 2012
Proposal Submission Deadline February 17, 2012 4:00 p.m.
CONTACT: Visit http://www.cyitc.org/grants/rfp.asp or contact 202 347-4441 for more information.
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YOUTH PROGRAMS / WORKSHOPS / CLASSES / CAMPS
WHAT: DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) Summer Camps 2012
WHEN: Summer Camp registration begins online on February 27th
WHERE: 2427 Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue SE
DETAILS: The DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) announces that registration is about to begin for another season of engaging and exciting summer camp programs. DPR Summer Camp registration will open for DC residents on February 27, 2012 at 12:00 PM. Registration will be open to non-residents on March 7, 2012 at 12:00 PM. Registration can be completed online or in-person at the DPR Summer Camp Office located at 1480 Girard Street, NW. Space fills on a first-come, first-served basis and enrollment is subject to availability. It is recommended that parents create an online DPR account for all campers in our registration system prior to the registration period in order to be best prepared.
DPR SUMMER CAMP PROGRAM OPTIONS
• Little Explorers Camp (ages 3-5)
• Aqua Day Camp (ages 6-13)
• Discovery Camp (ages 6-10)
• NEW - Discovery Camp: Be Green (ages 6-10)
• NEW - Tween Camp (ages 11-13)
• Green Buds (ages 8-13)
• NEW - Verano Spanish Immersion (ages 3-9)
• REC Camp (ages 6-13)
DPR Sports Camps: (ages 8-13)
• GOAL! Soccer Camp
• Nothing but Net Basketball Camp
• Score Multi-Sport Camp
• Spirit Cheerleading/Tumbling Camp
• SETLC Tennis Camp
DPR Partnership Camps:
• ACHIEVE Triathlon Camp (ages 9-14)
DPR Therapeutic Recreation Camps:
• Camp Adventure (ages 3-16)
• Camp Funward Bound (ages 21+)
• Let’s Play Together (ages 3-10)
CONTACT: E-mail DPR.camps@dc.gov or call (202) 671-0372
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WHAT: Advocates for Justice and Education, Inc.’s Bullying in Schools: A Presentation for Students Workshop
WHEN: Wednesday, February 22nd from 1:00-1:45 pm
WHERE: Mamie D. Lee School: 100 Gallatin Street NE
CONTACT: Email info@tmapchs.org or call 202 563-6862
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COMMUNITY EVENTS
Tonight
WHAT: Seventh Annual Celebrate Youth! High School Choir Festival
with special guest The DC Youth Orchestra
WHERE: National Cathedral (3101 Wisconsin Avenue NW)
WHEN: Wednesday, February 15th at 7:00 pm
DETAILS: On Wednesday, February 15 at 7 pm, the Cathedral Choral Society will once again bring together students from DC public, charter and independent schools, and members of the DC Youth Orchestra for its Seventh Annual Celebrate Youth! High School Choir Festival. The groups work together in a day of music making that culminates in a grand concert in the nave of the Cathedral.
CONTACT: For more information on the Festival, contact CCS's Director of Institutional Advancement, Margot T. Young, at (202) 537-5538 or by email at myoung@cathedral.org.
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WHAT: Presidential Family Fun Day
WHERE: American Art Museum, Portrait Gallery (8th and F Streets NW), Kogod Courtyard
METRO: Gallery Place-Chinatown, 9th Street exit
WHEN: Saturday, February 18, 2012 from 11:30 AM – 3 PM
DETAILS: Start off your Presidents' Day weekend with a family day at the Smithsonian American Art Museum and National Portrait Gallery. Remember our shared history as you enjoy patriotic music, stories, craft activities, and some special guests!
COST: FREE!
CONTACT: Visit http://si.edu/Events/Calendar/?trumbaEmbed=date%3D20120218#/?i=1.
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WHAT: African American History Month Family Day
WHERE: Postal Museum (2 Massachusetts Avenue NE)
METRO: Union Station
WHEN: Saturday, February 18 from 12:00 – 3:00 PM
DETAILS: Discover the struggles and achievements of African Americans in the postal service with family activities. Design a stamp honoring your heritage hero, make a stamp collection, and sort mail in the Railway Post Office! Meet sixth grader Jackson Davis V who was inspired by a school project to begin a campaign to honor York, an enslaved African American who traveled with the Lewis and Clark Expedition, on a US postage stamp.
COST: FREE!
CONTACT: Visit http://si.edu/Events/Calendar/?trumbaEmbed=date%3D20120218#/?i=1.
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WHAT: Intermediate Concert
WHERE: Eastern HS Auditorium (1700 E. Capitol Street NE)
WHEN: Sunday, February 19th at 4:00 pm
DETAILS: All students in levels C-H perform after first 5 weeks of rehearsals. Performance groups include: Concert Orchestra, Preparatory Orchestra, Preparatory Wind Ensemble, Intermediate D Orchestra, Intermediate C Orchestra, and Intermediate Wind Ensemble.
CONTACT: For more information visit our website www.dcyop.org or contact our at 202-698-0123 or email us at info@dcyop.org.
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WHAT: Discover Strathmore Free Open House: Duke Ellington (Celebrating American Composers)
WHERE: Music Center at Strathmore (10701 Rockville Pike)
METRO: Grosvenor-Strathmore
WHEN: Monday, February 20, 2012 from 11:00-4:00 am
DETAILS: Strathmore's annual inside-out family festival explores the wonders of all things Ellington in a free, all-day celebration for all ages. Enjoy performances, workshops, sample classes and roving entertainment.
COST: FREE!
CONTACT: Visit http://www.strathmore.org/eventstickets/calendar/view.asp?id=7981.
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Reminder
WHAT: Medical Museum Science Café: "From Dustoff to Medevac: A First-Person Look at the Transformation of Aeromedical Evacuation from 1971 – 1993," a presentation by LTC Christopher M. Siedor USA (RET)
WHEN: Tuesday, February 28, 2012 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
WHERE: Silver Spring Civic Building, Fenton Room 1 Veterans Place Silver Spring, MD 20910
DETAILS: During the Vietnam War, more than 58,000 Americans died and more than 300,000 were wounded. It was the job of military personnel assigned to medical aviation units to evacuate wounded troops and civilians to aid stations and hospitals. Join the National Museum of Health and Medicine and LTC Christopher M. Siedor (Ret.) as he shares his experience as a pilot of a "dustoff" crew during the last year of the war. Siedor will also explore the differences between flying during a conflict and peacetime, as well as what it is like to fly a medevac helicopter versus an airplane.
COST: FREE!
CONTACT: For more information, please call 301-319-3303 or visit http://nmhm.washingtondc.museum. This program is open to the public and no RSVP is required.
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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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