Charter Chat 3/7/12
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: http://focusdc.org/join-movement. 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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CALLING ALL MEMBERS OF THE D.C. PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL COMMUNITY! The D.C. Council has scheduled a budget hearing for March 28, 2012 at 11:00 am in Room 500 of the Wilson Building (14th and Penn, NW). This hearing will address issues relevant to the financial stability of charter schools. FOCUS is requesting the presence of 10 parents and supporters from each charter school at this hearing. We need to show the Council that their constituents are concerned over this critical issue. Roland Roebuck, our Senior Community Organizer, is coordinating our mobilization effort. If you’re available to join our fight for fair funding, contact him by phone at 202 387-0405 or 202 631-1892 or by email at rroebuck@focusdc.org.
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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/march-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.... 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: Perry Street Prep PCS Admissions Info Sessions
WHEN: Tuesday, March 13 at 6:00 pm; Tuesday, March 27 at 6:00 pm; Tuesday, April 10 at 6:00 pm
WHERE: 1800 Perry St NE
CONTACT: Call 202 551-0804
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WHAT: Tree of Life Public Charter School - Open House and Enrollment
WHEN: Wednesday, March 21, 2012 from 4:30-5:30, and every Wednesday -March- June
WHERE: 23151 8th Pl NE
CONTACT: Call Pat Ragland 202-8321108 x36 to make an appointment
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WHAT: The SEED Public Charter School of Washington, D.C. (Grades 6-12) Open House
WHEN: Saturday, March 24, 2012 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm
WHERE: 4300 C St SE
DETAILS: Applications accepted for students entering the 6th grade only
CONTACT: Call 202-248-3025 or email admissions@seedschooldc.org
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WHAT: Mundo Verde PCS Open House
WHEN: Saturday, March 24, 2012 from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm
WHERE: 2001 S Street NW, 2nd Floor
CONTACT: Call (202) 630-8373 or email info@mundoverdepcs.org
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Reminder
WHAT: Achievement Prep Open House
WHEN: Thursday, March 22 at 6:00 pm
WHERE: 908 Wahler Pl SE
CONTACT: Email info@aprepacademy.org or call 202 562-1214
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Reminder
WHAT: Capital City PCS (Lower School Campus) Open House
WHEN: Tuesday, March 13 from 9:00 am to 10:30 am
WHERE: 3047 15th St NW
DETAILS: Come see Capital City in action. We’ll have school tours, information sessions, and time to get your questions answered by Capital City staff, parents, and students!
CONTACT: Call 202 387-0309
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Reminder
WHAT: Creative Minds International PCS Open House
WHEN: Saturday, March 10, 2012 from 11:00 pm -12:00 pm and Wednesday, March 14, 2012 from 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
WHERE: 3224 16th St NW
DETAILS: Stop by an Open House to learn more about the Creative Minds International PCS curriculum, tour the school and meet the principal.
CONTACT: Contact James Lafferty-Furphy at 202 716-7261 or james.lafferty-furphy@creativemindspcs.org
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Reminder
WHAT: Imagine Southeast Information Session for Prospective Students
WHEN: Tuesday, March 14 from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm
WHERE: 3100 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. SE
CONTACT: Email imagine.southeast@imagineschools.com or call 202 561-1622
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Reminder
WHAT: Two Rivers Middle PCS Open House
WHEN: Thursday, March 8 from 9:00 am to 10:30 am
WHERE: 1234 4th St NE
CONTACT: Call 202 546-4477
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Reminder
WHAT: Washington Yu Ying PCS Open House
WHEN: Wednesday, March 7 at 6:30 pm
WHERE: 220 Taylor St NE
CONTACT: Email info@washingtonyuying.org or call 202 635-1950
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Reminder
WHAT: DC Prep Preschool-Specific Open House and Tour
WHEN: Wednesday, March 14 at 9:00 am at our Edgewood Elementary Campus and Thursday, March 15 at 9:00 am at our Benning Campus
WHERE: DC Prep Edgewood Elementary Campus: 707 Edgewood Street NE; DC Prep Benning Campus: 100 41st Street NE
CONTACT: Please RSVP if you plan to attend by emailing enrollment@dcprep.org
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UPCOMING EVENTS
WHAT: Maya Angelou PCS Middle School: Math Family Night: A Celebration of "Pi-Day"
WHEN: Wednesday, March 14, 2012 from 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
WHERE: 5600 East Capitol St NE in the MS Cafeteria
DETAILS: Students and families are invited out to join the Math Team in celebrating "Pi-Day." There will be Math games such as Math Jeopardy. A "Pi-Eating" contest will also be enjoyed by those that dare. Door prizes and light refreshments will be provided. Students must come with a responsible parent/guardian to participate.
CONTACT: Email swright@seeforever.org
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WHAT: College Bound: Start Your Child on the Path to Success
WHEN: Thursday, March 15 from 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
WHERE: 4201 Georgia Avenue NW
DETAILS: Come participate in Advocates for Justice and Education, Inc.’s interactive workshop using “College Bound,” a free online parent education program.
CONTACT: Call 202 678-8060 or email information@aje-dc.org
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SCHOLARSHIPS / CONTESTS / AWARDS
WHAT: The Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery’s Teen Portrait Competition
WHEN: Sunday, April 1, 2012
DETAILS: Who are you? Tell us through a photo of you or tell us about someone you know. The Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery and the Pearson Foundation present the First Annual Teen Portrait Competition. The goal is to highlight photography of all teens ages 13 to 17 through a contest made by teens for teens. The competition is divided into two age categories: 13-15 year olds & 16-17 year olds. A Grand Prize Winner will be selected from each of the two age categories. Grand Prize Winners will have their portraits on display at the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, DC in the spring of 2013. Grand Prize Winners will also receive a compact system camera. Honorable mention for each age group will receive a $50 gift card and your photo will be exhibited online.
CONTACT: Email npgteenportrait@si.edu with any questions, comments, or concerns.
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WHAT: Summer @DCYOP (The D.C. Youth Orchestra Program) 2012
WHEN: Camp Check-In: Monday, June 25, 2012 at 8:00 am; Camp Check-Out: Friday, July 6, 2012
DETAILS: For beginning musicians, The Elementary Music Day Camp is designed to help children develop a life-long love of music. Campers will be exposed to singing, playing instruments, moving to music, creating music, and basics of reading and writing music. At the end of the two weeks, camp will conclude with a performance where campers will demonstrate what they have learned.
· Eligibility: Campers must have attended grades K- 5 in the 2011 -2012 school year. Children 5 years or older who are entering Kindergarten in Fall 2012 will be accepted also.
· Instruments: Instruments and music will be provided. (Elementary Music Camp ONLY)
The Summer String Camp is open to all young musicians ages 8 -14 who have at least one year of playing experience, and who can play in an intermediate level group or above. NO audition required before registering. Placement auditions will be given to new students on the first day of camp to determine level placement within the program. Daily activities will include orchestra rehearsal, chamber music ensembles, sectional instruction, master classes, instrumental technique and music theory essentials designed for strings. At the end of the two weeks, the camp will conclude with two performances.
· Eligibility: Open to all young musicians' ages 8 to 14 who have at least one year of playing experience, and who can play in an intermediate level group or above.
· Instruments: Students are to bring their own instrument. Instruments available for rental through DCYOP. *Rentals are subject to availability*. Please contact Randall Stewart, Instrument Coordinator at 202-698-0123 ext. 1264154, for more information.
The Summer Band Camp is open to all young musicians ages 10 -14 who have at least one year of playing experience. NO audition required before registering. Placement auditions will be given to new students on the first day of camp to determine level placement within the program. Daily activities will include band rehearsal, sectional instruction, instrumental technique and music theory. At the end of the two weeks, the camp will conclude with two performances.
· Eligibility: Open to all young musicians' ages 10 to 14 who have at least one year of playing experience, and who can play in an intermediate level group or above.
· Instruments: Students are to bring their own instrument. Instruments available for rental through DCYOP. *Rentals are subject to availability*. Please contact Randall Stewart, Instrument Coordinator at 202-698-0123 ext. 1264154, for more information.
COST: DC Residents $750.00; MD/VA $825.00. Financial aid is available.
CONTACT: For more information visit our website www.dcyop.org. Contact us at 202-698-0123 or email us at info@dcyop.org
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Reminder
WHAT: 2012 Smart College Choice Expo
WHEN: Saturday, March 10, 2012 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
DETAILS: The Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) is pleased to announce the 2012 Smart College Choice Expo. Sponsored by OSSE and in partnership with Trinity University the 2012 Smart College Choice will offer students and parents an opportunity to have “one-on-one” time with representatives of top DCTAG colleges and universities and attend workshops such as: College Section (Making the Smart Choice), College Survival and Financial Aid Literacy. In addition, students will be able to complete their DCTAG applications at the Expo.
CONTACT: Visit http://osse.dc.gov/event/2012-smart-college-choice-expo or call OSSE at 202 727-2824.
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YOUTH PROGRAMS / WORKSHOPS / CLASSES / CAMPS
WHAT: Clothes for Change Clothing Drive
WHEN: Items will be collected from now until March 30, 2012
WHERE: National Museum of Crime & Punishment (575 7th St. NW)
DETAILS: The DOES Office of Youth Programs (OYP) is holding its first Clothes for Change Clothing Drive to support youth participants in Mayor Vincent C. Gray's Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP). OYP will be collecting new or gently used business-appropriate attire for young men and women. We are looking for items such as dress shirts, blouses, slacks, skirts, dress shoes, dress socks, panty hose, ties, belts, etc. Any interested parties can bring their items to the Crime Museum. We will be collecting items from now until March 30, 2012. Bring in an item and receive $3 off your admission
CONTACT: Call (202) 393-1099
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Reminder
WHAT: Young Women’s Conference on Non-Traditional Careers
WHEN: Friday, March 16 from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm
WHERE: Kellogg Conference Center at Gallaudet University (800 Florida Ave NE)
DETAILS: Young women from 8th grade through freshman year of college: explore non-traditional careers! Meet successful women in non-traditional careers, including technology, aerospace, building, automotive, biomedical, and other fields. Engage in workshops to prepare you for your future and learn more about career and technical education in DC. Pre-registration is required and must be completed by March 14.
COST: FREE!
CONTACT: Register at http://www.cvent.com/d/rcq98w
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COMMUNITY EVENTS
WHAT: 2011 D.C. LEARNs’ Annual Literacy Awards Event
WHEN: Thursday, March 8, 2012 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm
WHERE: Hillyer Art Space (9 Hillyer Ct. NW)
DETAILS: D.C. LEARNs’ Annual Literacy Awards Event is an evening devoted to celebrating the achievements made in literacy programs across the District, and recognizing the impact of literacy leaders, students, and volunteers. It’s the only event where children, youth, family and adult literacy providers from across the District all come together to raise the awareness of this issue present a strong, unified voice on the importance of literacy as an investment in our community.
COST: FREE!
CONTACT: Register at http://www.eventbrite.com/event/1029295651
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WHAT: Junior Orchestra and Youth Orchestra Spring Concert
WHEN: Sunday, March 18, 2012 at 4:00 pm
WHERE: 1901 Mississippi Ave, SE
DETAILS: Under the direction of Maestro Mariano Vales, the Junior Orchestra will perform Carmen Suite No. 2 by Bizet and other classical works. Maestro Jesus Manuel Berard will conduct the Youth Orchestra in a performance of Symphony No.5, Op.64 by Tchaikovsky.
CONTACT: For more information, visit our website: www.dcyop.org. Contact us at 202-698-0123 or email us at info@dcyop.org
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Reminder
WHAT: 10th Annual Stomp D.A.T
WHEN: Saturday, March 24th, 2012
DETAILS: Stomp D.A.T. is an annual step show that features teams from the Washington D.C. Metropolitan area schools and youth-based community groups in competition to educate youth about the dangers of drugs, alcohol and tobacco.
COST: Tickets are $15
CONTACT: Tickets are available at http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/15004847EEFF6F82?artistid=836069&majorcatid=10005&minorcatid=0
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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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