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Charters: DC Charter School Expo

If you are currently in the process of trying to navigate the complex and chaotic DC charter school process, look no further then next month’s Charter School Expo.  Hosted by the DC Public Charter School Board (PCSB), the DC Association of Chartered Public Schools (DCACPS) and Friends of Choice in Urban Schools (FOCUS) the Expo will be held on Saturday, January 5th, 2013 from 12:00pm to 4:00pm at the Washington Convention Center.

The Charter Expo provides one-stop shopping for all the DC Charter Schools, and it is the best way to avoid spending months trying to fit in open houses.  Each school has a table manned by founders, administrators, teachers and/or parents who are prepared to give you information about the schools and answer your questions.  The fair is large and busy, so come prepared with a list of schools to visit, so you don’t get distracted and miss your best options.  Although kids are very welcome, it will be easier for you to collect info if you leave them home.

What:  Charter School Expo

Where:  Washington Convention Center, 801 Mount Vernon Place, NW

When:  Saturday, January 5, 2013 12pm to 4pm

Contact:  http://www.dcpubliccharter.com/Parents-and-community/charter-school-expo.aspx

See also:          Charter School Introduction

Charter School Application Tips

            Charter School Guide to Researching Schools

            Charter Schools: Which are the Best?

Mount Vernon Triangle: Christmas Tree

Mount Vernon Triangle Christmas Tree

Recently, my daughter has discovered the magic of the Christmas Tree, she believes that Santa only knows where to bring the presents because of the tree.  In the past, we’ve driven out to Virginia to get our tree – so I was very excited to see that there was going to be a Christmas Tree lot in my own backyard!

Sixth Engine will be sponsoring the Mt. Vernon Triangle Christmas Tree lot.  All proceeds will benefit the DC Firefighters Burn Foundation.  The lot will open Thursday, November 29^th at 4:00pm and will be open Monday-Friday from 4pm-10pm and weekends from 10am-10pm.

Best part, all tree purchases will get a special gift to redeem at Sixth Engine!

Location:         Sixth Engine, 438 Massachusetts Ave, NW

When:              November 29^th - ?

 Cost:               Trees, Stands, Wreaths, Garland and DCFD Ornaments – prices at the lot

National Theatre: Holiday Schedule

A year ago, we posted about the benefits about living near the National Theatre and the wonderful benefits of their Saturday morning children’s series.  In addition, the National Theatre has also released their holiday schedule 

December 1  Oh! Hanukkah! 

December 8  Christmas Dreams from The Nutcracker 

December 15  Chris Davis: A Christmas Carol

Holiday Schedule

December 3 Miracle on 34th Street

December 10 Scrooge

December 17 White Christmas

Location:         1321 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
When:             Holiday Shows Monday: 6:30pm; Children’s Series Saturday: 9:30am&11:00am

 Cost:               Free; tickets required

 Contact:         (202) 783-3372

Charters: Inspired Teaching

Application Open!  The Inspired Teaching Charter School application is now open.   Applications are due March 15, 2013. 

You may notice that many of the charter schools have a due date of March 15.  Recently, at the Charter School Forum hosted by Tommy Wells, Charter School Board Executive Director Scott Pearson mentioned there was an effort this year by many of the schools to consolidate the due date to March 15.  It is estimated that 86 schools have a March 15 close date.

Application Process

To apply for the 2013-2014 school year, please visit the Inspired Teaching application page for more information.  The Inspired Teaching School is accepting applications for preschool through 5th grade.  Dates on the open houses are also now available if you are interested in attending.   The lottery will be held on March 22^nd and more information on the lottery can be found on their lottery information page.  This includes any preference given and waitlist policies.

General Information

The school uses an inquiry based teaching model, so that students develop their intellect, inquiry, imagination, and integrity in classrooms that support their natural curiosity and innate desire to learn.  Master teachers make sure every child is supported and challenged as they grow.  We posted before that the school has a semi-permanent location at the U Street/ Columbia Heights area, and are located at 1328 Florida Avenue.  The school is metro and bus accessible and wonderfully convenient for those of located downtown.  

One of the things that has been concerning for me as an incoming possible charter school parent is some of the lack of programing available that some of the traditional public schools have made available.  I was happy to see the IT has mentioned their strong partnerships with community organizations such as the Phillips Collection to support arts integration and programing.  The school also mentioned they are working with the Folger Shakespeare Library and will be putting on a performance there this spring.

The school also has access the new YMCA on 14^th street and has a physical education program called Physical, Healthy, and Driven (PHD) where students have a PE class twice weekly.

The school will be having a Winterfest on December 8^th and has invited families to come visit for an open house/information session.  You can also check out their book sale and holiday greenery sale.

For more information about the school, see our prior post on Inspired Teaching. 

Application Tips

Generally, it is best to apply to any charter school that you might even possibly consider.  There are no limits to how many charter schools to which you may apply, and even if you apply to a lot of schools, your child may not get into many.  On the other hand, don’t apply to schools in which you know you will not be interested and turn down all spots as soon as you know that you will not be sending your child.  Don’t enroll your child in more than one school.  But, there is no harm in applying broadly and early.  You can do the research after the application – but, remember to be prepared by the time the lottery season approaches.  For more charter school tips, please visit our tips section or introduction to charter schools.

Mount Vernon Triangle: Photos with Santa

On Thursday, November 29^th, the Mount Vernon Triangle Community Improvement District (MVTCID) will hold its 3^rd annual Photos with Santa Claus event on the corner of 5^th and K, NW. (in front of Busboys and Poets).

Come meet Kris Kringle and pose for a photo, all children will be given a candy cane – and photos will be available (via MVTCID Facebook Page) in time for use on holiday cards and email.  Feel free to bring your own camera to use for a photo as well!

Location:         5^th and K, NW
When:              Thursday, November 29^th; 5:00pm-8pm

 Cost:               Free!

 Contact:         (202) 216-0511 ext. 23; bill@mountvernontriangle.org

Yes, Virginia Family Day at the Newseum

On Saturday, Nov. 24, from 11am to 5pm, the Newseum is hosting  a “Yes, Virginia” Family Day.  Join them for a day of special events and activities, inspired by Francis P. Church’s 1897 New York Sun editorial assuring eight-year-old Virginia O’Hanlon and millions of kids like her that yes; indeed, there really is a Santa Claus.

Hear a reading of the heartwarming editorial, read by Autria Godfrey from ABC7/WJLA-TV – with a special appearance by Santa Clause!   Learn how kids in 1897 might have sent their letters to Santa and even try telegraphing your own message to the North Pole. Make your own snow globe and recycle old newspapers into beautiful holiday wreaths which you can then donate to wounded soldiers at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.  Record a Santa sighting at our “Be a TV Reporter” experience.

“Yes, Virginia” Family day provides an excellent opportunity for families to visit the Newseum and celebrate the holiday season. On this special day, every child who brings a new, unwrapped toy to donate to the museum’s Toys for Tots drive will receive free admission with one paid adult admission.  The discount and the drive are great, but we really like the focus on experiences that younger children will appreciate, as this museum is generally best for those over about seven or eight who can read a newspaper.

Location: 955 Pennsylvania Ave, NW

Hours:    The Newseum is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.  Yes, Virginia day is Saturday, November 24, from 11am to 5pm.

Price:  General ticket prices are $21.95 plus tax for adults, $17.95 plus tax for seniors and students, $12.95 plus tax for kids 7-18, and free for kids six and under.  On Yes, Virginia Day, all kids who bring new, unwrapped toys to donate with be admitted free if accompanied by a paying adult. 

Contact:             http://www.newseum.org/index.html

Art Trails at the American Art Museum

Charters: Education Forum - Tommy Wells

If you, like us, have been waiting for more information about the Tommy Wells Education Forum – the information has finally been posted to the website.  Please attend on Monday, Nov 12 to find out more about Charter Schools.

You must RSVP – but here is the information from the website.

The promise and challenge of charter schools

The District is home to some of the highest performing and innovative charter schools in the Nation.  The Public Charter School Board – using its own performance criteria – rates as high performing 22 of 102 DC charter schools campuses. 

Charter schools now school over 40% of district students seeking a public education. 

Not surprisingly though, with such rapid growth, challenges are also part of the District’s charter story.  Communities are requesting greater coordination with charter schools and changes in enrollment policies.  Facilities policies need overhauling.  Some programs that provide alternative schooling remain underfunded.  School closing issues are unresolved.

Ward 6 Councilmember Tommy Wells has invited a panel of diverse individuals who are deeply involved in building and monitoring district charter schools for a conversation about the promise and challenges of district charter schools.  Please join Tommy and Public Charter School Board Executive Director Scott Pearson, Ward 6 State Board of Education Member Monica Warren-Jones and Post education reporter Emma Brown at the

Mount Vernon Triangle Public Forum: The Promise and Challenge of Charter Schools

 Moderator Ward 6 Councilmember Tommy Wells will discuss the Promise and Challenge of Charter Schools with Public Charter School Board Executive Director Scott Pearson, Ward 6 State Board of Education Member Monica Warren-Jones and Post education reporter Emma Brown. 

 Free and Open to all! 

 http://www.tommywells.org/2012/11/the-promise-and.php

Location: Busboys and Poets, 1025 5th Street NW, Washington, DC 20001 

 When: November 12th, 6:30pm-8:30pm

 Contact:  bill@mountvernontriangle.org