Downtown DC Kids

justmigrate: Hi, I just moved my posts from Posterous! Do go...

Thu, 04 Apr 2013 22:50:03 -0400

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Charters: DC Charter School Expo If you are currently in the...

Thu, 27 Dec 2012 08:25:29 -0500

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

Mount Vernon Triangle: Christmas Tree Mount Vernon Triangle...

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 11:17:05 -0500

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...

Wed, 21 Nov 2012 11:09:08 -0500

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

Children’s 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...

Wed, 21 Nov 2012 08:37:24 -0500

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...

Mon, 19 Nov 2012 16:05:00 -0500

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 NewseumOn Saturday, Nov. 24,...

Thu, 15 Nov 2012 19:58:09 -0500

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

ImaginOcean at the Warner Theatre

Sun, 11 Nov 2012 12:42:00 -0500

The Warner Theatre is hosting a one-of-a-kind live black-light puppet show, John Tartaglia’s ImaginOcean, next Saturday, November 17th. ImaginOcean is a magical undersea adventure for kids of all ages. Tank, Bubbles and Dorsel and three best friends who just happen to be fish, and they’re about to set out on a remarkable journey of discovery. And it all starts with a treasure map. As they swim off in search of clues, they’ll sing, they’ll dance, and they’ll make new friends, including everyone in the audience. Ultimately they discover the greatest treasure of all: friendship.Location: Warner Theatre, 513 13th Street, NW
Times: Saturday, November 17, 2012, 1pm and 4pm
Price: $35-75
Purchase tickets here

Art Trails at the American Art MuseumThis Saturday, November 10,...

Fri, 09 Nov 2012 07:40:11 -0500

Art Trails at the American Art Museum

This Saturday, November 10, 2012, from 11:30am -3pm, the American Art Museum (which shares a building with the Portrait Gallery at 8th and F St, NW) is hosting Art Trails.

Kids and families will explore the galleries of the Smithsonian American Art Museum. Pick up a themed scavenger hunt and begin your trek through time, through space, and through art. You’ll have to answer questions, solve puzzles, and look closely. Some curious characters might even be waiting for you along the way! Start your journey in the Kogod Courtyard.

Charters: Education Forum - Tommy Wells If you, like us, have...

Wed, 07 Nov 2012 12:05:12 -0500

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

Charters: E.L. HaynesApplication Open! I noticed today that...

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 09:53:00 -0500

Charters: E.L. Haynes

Application Open! I noticed today that E.L. Haynes Public Charter School has opened its application for the 2013-2014 school year. Applications are due March 15, 2013

Application Process

To apply for the 2013-2014 school year, please visit the E.L. Haynes application page for more information. Dates on the open houses can be found on their lottery information webpage. Applications received between November 1, 2012 and March 15, 2013 will be included in the E.L. Haynes PCS Lottery which will be held on March 22, 2013. Applications received after the March 15, 2012 deadline will be placed at the end of the waiting list in order of receipt.

Here are some frequently asked questions about the E.L Haynes lottery.

Why is E.L. Haynes holding a lottery?
In accordance with DC charter school law, all DC Public Charter Schools must hold a random public lottery to select new students if the total number of applicants for any grade level exceeds the number of spaces available. E.L. Haynes holds a public lottery each year.

Who is eligible to participate in the lottery?
Any student who is a resident of the District of Columbia is eligible to apply for enrollment in a DC Public Charter School regardless of race, home language or disability.

How does the lottery work?
Applications are accepted up to the day prior to the lottery each year. During the lottery, numbers assigned to each application are drawn in random order to fill the available spaces for each grade. Numbers assigned to the remainder of applications exceeding available spaces are placed on the school’s waitlist in the order they are drawn.

Is there preference for sibling applicants?
Yes. The sibling lottery may create a sibling waitlist if there are no spaces available in a specific grade. Once the sibling waitlist is exhausted, students on the regular (non-sibling) waitlist are invited to enroll. If a waitlist applicant who is offered admission has a sibling who has also applied to E.L. Haynes, that sibling will be moved to the sibling waitlist if the initial offered space is accepted.

What happens after the lottery?
E.L. Haynes will send notices by US Postal Mail notifying all families of their admission and/or placement on the waitlist. When offered a spot, families will receive an offer letter and a commitment form. Your child’s enrollment is only complete when all of the registration materials have been received and DC residency confirmed by posted deadlines. Missing a deadline may result in your child losing his/her spot.

General Information

E.L. Haynes is a Center of Excellence, driven by our mission: Every E.L. Haynes student of every race, socioeconomic status and home language will reach high levels of academic achievement and be prepared to succeed at the college of his or her choice. Every E. L. Haynes student will be adept at mathematical reasoning, will use scientific methods effectively to frame and solve problems, and will develop the lifelong skills needed to be successful individuals, active community members, and responsible citizens. E.L. Haynes is a year round school and, therefore, starts several weeks before other schools in the District of Columbia usually at the beginning of August. For more information, see our prior post on E.L. Haynes.

Application Tips

Vote for Hello Kitty! Halloween has passed and the countdown...

Fri, 02 Nov 2012 09:29:00 -0400

Vote for Hello Kitty!

Halloween has passed and the countdown to the election has finally started. Give your kids an opportunity to vote for everyone’s favorite kitty at Living Social’s headquarters on F Street.

We are very excited that Living Social is hosting a pop-up play event in their location and we hope to see many more in the future. So turn out the vote and show the need for more play opportunities in downtown DC!

Join the Friendship Party and vote Hello Kitty for President! Visit Hello Kitty’s Campaign HQ at LivingSocial’s 918 F Street in NW Washington DC for fun Giveaways, Art, Curated Activities, Collectible Merchandise, Sephora Makeovers, Games, and More! Meet Presidential Hello Kitty and her running mate!

If you visit on Saturday, don’t forget to cast a second ba llot at Madame Tussauds.

What: Hello Kitty for President Campaign HQ at LivingSocial’s 918 F Street, NW DC

Where: LivingSocial’s 918 Street, NW DC

When: November 1st - 6th, 10am - 6pm (Limited Hours: November 3, Open 10am - 5pm)

For more information: www.sanrio.com/hellokitty2012

Charters: SelaMany people talk about how they wish they had been...

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 13:47:00 -0400

Charters: Sela

Many people talk about how they wish they had been one of the “charter families” or in the first year families when a school opened. Well, here is your chance with a new school that will be opening for the 2013-2014 school year. Sela, is derived from the Hebrew word for “rock” or “foundation” and will be founded on a steadfast commitment to ensuring that all students have access to a strong foundational education that ensures high levels of academic achievement students in a dual-language immersion of English and Hebrew setting.

Application Process

Sela’s website, as a new school, has very little information. However, it is clear that they are expecting more applications than seats and will probably need a lottery. It is not clear from the website when the application period opens, but applications will be due on March 13, 2013. For more information on the enrollment process, you can visit the enrollment section of their website.

General Information

Sela is the only bi-lingual Hebrew school in Washington, DC. Using a majority immersion model, the majority of the activities taking place in the classroom will take place in Hebrew. Each early-childhood classroom will be staffed by two teachers to implement this model. One of the two teachers will be a native Hebrew-speaker and will speak to the children only in Hebrew. The second teacher will be an English speaker. The school will seek to identify English language speakers with some knowledge of Hebrew.

Similar to Yu Ying, Sela will begin at Pre-K, with a 4 year old program and enroll up to 1^st grade for 2013 school year. Plans are for the school to go to the 5^th grade. The location for Sela has also not been announced yet, which may be a drawback. It is eagerly being awaited by those who are giving this school a serious look.

Application Tips

Kid’s Election Day Living in Washington, DC, many kids...

Wed, 31 Oct 2012 12:38:59 -0400

Kid’s Election Day

Living in Washington, DC, many kids can’t help but get caught up early in the election fever that takes over this city every four years. Many families – no matter what party affiliation – have careers that will change or grow depending on election results. Children learn early the importance of voting.

Madame Tussauds realizes that kids want to be part of the Election Day excitement and have instituted the first ever “Kid’s Election Day,” on Saturday, November 3^rd.

Come by The Presidents Gallery from 7:00am-10:00am and let your child register to vote in Virginia, Maryland or Washington, DC. Once registered, they can step into an authentic voting station and vote for either Mitt Romney or Barack Obama.

After voting, all kids will receive a free “I voted” sticker to wear proudly and get a chance to view and purchase their own voter registration photo!

Tickets are not available online and can only be purchased in person the morning of November 3rd. Happy voting!

Location: 10th and F streets NW
When: 7:00am-10:00am, Saturday November 3rd

Cost: Children 12 and under are free and those 13 and up just $10!

Contact: 888-929-4632

Eleanor Holmes Norton's All-Parks Town Hall, Tomorrow Night

Wed, 24 Oct 2012 21:54:00 -0400

Join us tomorrow, Thursday, October 25, 2012, at the All-Parks Town Hall being held by Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm at the John A. Wilson Building (1350 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Room 412).

Downtown DC Kids will be represented on a panel at the beginning of the meeting, examining how residents can work with the National Park Service (NPS), which owns most of the city’s parks, to enliven D.C.’s green spaces and adapt them to the needs of the individual neighborhoods where they are located. The panel members include Steve Whitesell, NPS; David Alpert, Greater Greater Washington Blog; Richard Bradley, Downtown DC Business Improvement District; Catherine Nagel, City Parks Alliance; and me, Danielle Pierce, of Downtown DC Kids. All of the NPS D.C. superintendents will also be on hand.

“At least half the All-Parks Town Hall will go to hearing ideas and questions from D.C. residents on October 25,” Norton said. “We hope residents will come with their own suggestions for making their neighborhood parks fit the activities of their neighborhoods. Although chronically underfunded, the NPS has shown a willingness to work with and respond to residents. Our town hall will be successful if residents come ready to participate and engage with NPS officials and the panel.”

Please come join the effort to bring playgrounds to these parks!

National Building Musuem: PLAY WORK BUILDIf you frequent our...

Tue, 23 Oct 2012 08:31:00 -0400

National Building Musuem: PLAY WORK BUILD

If you frequent our site often, you’ll know that the Building Museum is one of our favorites. A never ending sense of wonder for kids and adults – from the Building Zone, to events such as the Big Build or the Cherry Blossom festival, there is something for everyone at this museum.

On November 18^th, the National Building Museum will open one of its newest exhibits, PLAY, WORK, BUILD. Through this exhibition, visitors will begin to see the connections between play, design, and the work of building professionals like architects and engineers.

This exhibition will combine a presentation of the Museum’s world-class Architectural Toy Collection, a hands-on block play area, and an original digital interactive that will allow visitors to fill an entire wall of the exhibition with virtual blocks—and then knock them down. Visitors can play with small or large blocks, the virtual block-play experience, or all of the activities, children and adults alike will be encouraged to participate in unstructured, imaginative play that will exercise muscles and minds.

What was most exciting to me is directly on the website for the NBM was the imagination playground link. I’m hoping that the exhibit will be part of the imagination playground as my daughter loves it from our pop-up playground event.

Location: National Building Museum, 401 F Street NW

When:Sunday, November 18

Cost: $8 for adults; $5 for kids (the Building Zone only is $3 per person)

Contact: 202.272.2448

The Freer and Sackler Galleries of Art Each time I go somewhere...

Mon, 22 Oct 2012 11:22:02 -0400

The Freer and Sackler Galleries of Art

Each time I go somewhere on the weekend, I stumble across another museum, event, or festival that I had no idea existed before. That is just the wonder that is living downtown. This past weekend while visiting the National Museum of the American Indian, I discovered new kid activities at the Freer/Sackler Galleries. While I missed them last weekend, I look forward to going next weekend to discover some of the kid friendly art activities. While my 3 year old is not quite old enough for this – I think the art and calligraphy looks really amazing.

Saturday, October 27, 2012 Dazzling Warriors and War Horses

Sunday, October 28, 2012 Dazzling Warriors and War Horses

Saturday, November 17, 2012 Beautiful Writing: Arabic Calligraphy

Saturday, December 1, 2012 Frankincense and Myrrh

Sunday, December 2, 2012 Frankincense and Myrrh

Location: Sackler Gallery located at 1050 Independence Avenue, SW

Freer Gallery located at Jefferson Drive at 12th Street, SW

The two museums are connected by an underground exhibition space

When: See dates above; all classes start at 2:00pm

Cost: Free

Contact: 202.633.4880

Charters: Charter School Education Forum Charter...

Thu, 18 Oct 2012 10:59:49 -0400

Charters: Charter School Education Forum

Charter schools, recently, have been an available option of school choice for children in the DC area. Would you like to your children to learn Mandarin? Are you interested in a Spanish (or French) immersion school?

These are some of the choices that Charter Schools make available – for free – to the parents of children in DC.

On Monday, November 12^th, at Busboys and Poets, Mount Vernon Triangle CID will host Councilmember Tommy Wells in a discussion of Charter Schools.

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

When: August 21st, 6:30pm-8:00pm

Contact: bill@mountvernontriangle.org

National Building Museum: Girl Scout Day On October 20th, the...

Wed, 17 Oct 2012 12:26:03 -0400

National Building Museum: Girl Scout Day

On October 20^th, the National Building Museum will be hosting a Girl Scout Day. Girls will have a chance to participate in multiple hands-on activities and have the opportunity to talk to building professionals. There will be two specific programs during the day, a morning session and an afternoon session. There is also a Girl Scout Day journey worksheet for those who plan to attend which you can download.

During the session Girl Scouts will be able to:

· Create an arch bridge out of straws with engineers from the American Society of Civil Engineers.

· Explore the museum’s building on a scavenger hunt to reveal its amazing history.

· Learn how to clean water by creating a simple water filter.

· Build a green roof that really grows and learn how plants contribute to cleaner air.

· Turn garbage into something useful and beautiful by turning an old plastic bottle into a flower vase.

You must prepay for registration by October 18th as walk-in registration is only available if there is space.

As a reminder, the Building Zone will be closed 10/15/2012 – 10/22/2012.

Location: National Building Museum, 401 F Street NW

When:Saturday, October 20^th

Morning Session 10:00 am - 1:00 pm

Afternoon Session 1:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Cost: $10

Contact: 202.272.2448

What Do We Do After Preschool?! JCC Kindergarten FairJCC’s...

Wed, 17 Oct 2012 09:23:21 -0400

What Do We Do After Preschool?! JCC Kindergarten Fair

JCC’s 4^th annual “What Do We Do After Preschool?!” Kindergarten Fair will help families with young children answer the question. School representatives and experts will provide you enough information to help you feel prepared for the next level of your child’s schooling.

6:00 pm: Opening Remarks and Panel Discussion

6:30 pm: School Fair including Directors of Admissions and Staff from over 20 Independent Schools, DC Charter Schools and DC Public Schools. We will also have representatives from Early Stages, a District of Columbia Public Schools initiative to helps identify any delays children 3–5 years old may have and provide appropriate services to help address those delays.

7:30 pm Closing Remarks

Pre-register: http://thejdc.convio.net/site/Calendar?id=134601&view=Detail

Tuesday, October 23, 6:00–8:00 pm

$5 per family/Free for DCJCC Preschool Families

Babysitting available ($10/family) available; must be reserved by October 21

DCJCC: 1529 16th Street NW, WDC

Family Connections at the DCJCC: www.washingtondcjcc.org/families