News & Notes Winter 06

Volume

1 • Issue 1 • Winter 2006

Chairman’s message

and inspirational success stories that reflect the outstanding performance and dedication of our students, teachers, principals, parents, administrators, staff and stakeholders.

When schools, parents and communities work together

to promote quality education students thrive! At Friendship Public Charter School, this philosophy lies at the heart of our mission. As we welcome a New Year, Friendship affirms its commitment to providing every student an exceptional educational experience. With a community of support cheering our students toward higher achievement, they will continue to exceed academic expectations and grow as young scholars, leaders and citizens.

News & Notes, our quarterly newsletter, will keep you informed and engaged throughout the school year. Inside these pages, you will find useful news updates

Inside this

issue:

Chairman’s Message

...................................1 New Day at Southeast Campus

...................................1 FNN Awarded Arts Grant

...................................2 College Head Start

...................................2 Chamberlain’s American Star

...................................2

Indeed, Friendship has good news, particularly in the areas of student performance and innovative academic programs. Stanford 9 results over the past five years show dramatic improvement in reading and mathematics across elementary and secondary schools. In fact, in 2005, our elementary schools academically outpaced or equaled similar public and public-charter elementary schools in the District.

We are also pleased to report that our high school graduates earn top awards and scholarships. For example, in December, four Collegiate seniors were selected as Posse Scholars and will attend Lafayette College, Grinnell College and Bucknell University on a fouryear investment totaling more than $400,000. Overall, ninety-five percent of our seniors go on to college.

Friendship’s Early College program accepted its second class this fall. We opened our fifth campus, Southeast

Elementary Academy, in August. And earlier this year, we joined with Venture Philanthropy Partners and McKinsey & Company to develop a five-year strategic vision that will guide our organization toward broadening rigorous academic offerings, strengthening operating systems and introducing two new, groundbreaking schools – Friendship Tech Prep, a career-focused Early College high school in Southeast, D.C. and Friendship Preparatory

Academy, a pre-K-12 international baccalaureate program in Northwest, D.C. Friendship is prepared for a dynamic 2006. We invite your active participation as our schools provide a culture of learning where every student thrives.

Donald L. Hense Chairman, Board of Trustees

Visions for the Future • Increase enrollment to 5,000+ • More pre-k programs for 3and 4-year olds • Grow from 5 to 7 campuses (4 elementary, 3 middle, 3 high school) • Open Friendship Tech Prep, a career academy with apprenticeship programs • Establish Friendship Preparatory Academy, the first pre-k-12 international baccalaureate program in D.C. area

Friendship Invests $500,000 to Revive Campus Opens New Friendship-Southeast Elementary Academy

The students and parents of Southeast Academy of Scholastic Excellence never lost hope. The Ward 8 school, in dire need of operational and instructional support, closed in June. In July, Friendship Public Charter School turned possibility into reality by adopting the Southeast facility. In less than 40 days, Friendship completed over half a million dollars in renovations and upgrades to create the new Friendship-Southeast Elementary Academy. The new school opened in August with 352 students in kindergarten through grade six. The Washington Post reported it was the first time a D.C. charter school campus, after being closed, was immediately taken over by another charter school organization.

• Continue annual increases in student achievement • Raise college acceptance from 95% to 100% • School of choice for all District students

“They have expanded their existing campuses successfully,” said Tom Nida, chairman of the charter school board.

“They have the capacity to take on something bigger and better.”

Washington Post, September 2, 2005 “I was mad that the school was closing.

I’d have to find new friends,” said sixthgrader Maurice Brown, 11. But, he added, “most of my friends came back -- everybody in my class.”

Washington Post, September 2, 2005

Friendship Calendar

...................................3 Tomorrow’s Healthcare Leaders

...................................3 Bright Smiles, Bright Futures

...................................3 Achievement Highlights

...................................4 About Friendship

...................................4

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A Brand New Day On the first day of school, Southeast stu-

dents and parents opened the doors to a drastically different school facility. Freshly painted hallways in red and ivory, bright light fixtures, vaulted ceilings, kitchen and cafeteria upgrades and classrooms outfitted with new books, artistic learning tools and mobile computer labs transformed a crumbling building into a productive learning laboratory. Friendship Chairman Donald Hense and Southeast Principal Gary Bartee hosted a tour of the Southeast facility, inviting the community to share in the school’s new beginning.

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Leading the Way

Chamberlain Star Shadwick Jenkins

2005 American Star of Teaching Recipient

The U.S. Department of Education selected Shadwick Jenkins of Friendship-Chamberlain Elementary as the District of Columbia’s 2005 American Star of Teaching award recipient. A lead third-grade teacher, Mr. Jenkins is widely praised by colleagues and parents for his creative teaching style, connection with students and effective staff leadership skills. Among his volunteer efforts, Mr. Jenkins is a mentor to Chamberlain’s young male scholars and spearheads tutorials after school as well as during spring break. In 2005, Mr. Jenkins’ class scored the highest Standford 9 test results of all Chamberlain third graders, with 76 percent of students achieving advanced scores in math and 33 percent achieving advanced scores in reading.

Located in Ward 6, Chamberlain Elementary serves kindergarten through grade five. Although 80 percent of its students qualify for free or reduced lunch, Chamberlain has exceeded state academic goals since opening in 1998. These results are noteworthy considering that the majority of minority elementary students in the District score below basic reading and math levels.

The U.S. Department of Education No Child Left Behind American Stars of Teaching program recognizes one outstanding teacher from every state and the District of Columbia. The 2005 recipients were selected from 2,000 nominations based on their success in improving student academic performance.

FNN Awarded DC Arts Grant Student-Reporters Join Mayor’s Weekly Press Briefing “I’ll take a question

from the Friendship News Network,” announced D.C. Mayor Anthony Williams at his weekly press briefing.

FNN Junior Academy Correspondent Raoul Buddle, seated among reporters from the Washington Post and NBC4, promptly stood and addressed the Mayor, “Mr. Mayor, have FNN News Team Accepts DC Arts Grant you ever considered running own magazine, website, for President?” television and radio proMarilyn Kaufman Project Director grams. Each FNN stuLike other news teams, the dent fulfils a major news FNN student-reporters attend- Brian Young function such as photoged the November press brief- Web/Print Instructor rapher, web designer, iling in search of a story. But, on Alicia Wade lustrator, producer, news this day, they were also honored FNN Editor and Chief anchor, field reporter guests. Earlier in the briefing, Raoul Buddle and videographer.

Mayor Williams recognized FNN Correspondent

FNN as a grant recipient for the This Fall, FNN launched DC Commission on the Arts Ahmed Davis Rated-T, a four-color FNN Photographer & Humanities arts-education news magazine featurprogram. FNN was selected for ing investigative reits mission to train students in ports, editorials, advice columns, origigraphic design, photography, illustration nal cartoons and book reviews. As part and newsgathering. of the newsgathering process, reporters The Friendship News Network (FNN) held interviews with the office of U.S. is a year-round after-school and summer Congressman Charles Rangel (NY), the enrichment program in which students U.S. Department of Homeland Secuages 11-18 manage a real media enter- rity, and Seeds of Peace, a group dediprise. With the guidance of experienced cated to empowering young leaders teachers and mentors who are profession- with conflict resolution skills. To learn al artists and journalists, students work more about the FNN program visit collaboratively in teams to create their www.friendshipnewsnetwork.com.

Early College Offers Students Winning Start Research confirms that mean- Each semester, Early College students paringful connections between high ticipate in the traditional process of enrollschool and university life significantly improve students’ chances of earning a four-year degree. The Early College program at Friendship-Collegiate Academy addresses this critical need by exposing high school students to the rigors and rewards of post-secondary study.

Sample Early College Courses ·Biological Science Lecture & Lab ·Fundamentals of Chemistry Lecture & Lab ·United States History ·Introduction of Logic ·English Composition ·Intermediate Algebra ·Precalculus and Calculus ·Introduction of Drawing ·Personal and Community Health

ing in college courses.

Classes are held on the UDC campus, taught by tenured professors, and cover seven core curriculum areas including literature, historical studies, foreign language, laboratory science, and quantitative reasoning.

A first-of-its-kind in the Honing behaviors esDistrict, the Early College sential to sustaining was founded in partnership college success is the with the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) and is support- program’s foremost goal. As Early College ed by the Woodrow Wilson Foundation. In students excel, they develop invaluable time its second successful year, this program tar- management and study skills. Students emgets highly motivated students, giving spe- brace an ownership of their academic futures cial focus to ninth through twelfth graders and chart clear paths toward lasting achievewho aspire to become first-generation col- ment in college and the workplace. In 2005, 58 percent of Early College graduates. Participants “This experience has helped lege students achieved a not only take college-level me mature as a young man 3.0 or higher grade point courses at no charge, they who understands college average in their college earn college credits while expectations and settings.” courses. obtaining their high school diploma. Students entering Preparation for the Earthe Early College in the Reishad Jessup, Early College ly College begins with Class of 2008 ninth grade can potentially the Pre-Early College acquire two years of college credit.

Continued on next page

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Training Tomorrow’s Healthcare Leaders Imagine a Friendship-Collegiate tration and Protective Services. Additionally, student pioneering research for Collegiate offers an Arts and Communications a cancer cure. In November, 11 seniors Academy and an Engineering and Technology

from Collegiate’s Health and Human Services Academy explored this possibility and other career goals in healthcare at Howard University’s Allied Health Fall Workshop.

Led by university professors and healthcare practitioners, the all-day workshop introduced students to educational programs in clinical health sciences, pharmacy, nursing and healthcare management. Students attended interactive seminars and engaged in exploratory exercises that provided real insight into the daily functions of such specialties as clinical laboratory scientist, clinical nurse specialist, nursing anesthesia and hospital administrator.

Students were also guided in the usage of equipment designed for the diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions.

Academy.

To learn more about Friendship’s Howard University Allied Health partnership and other health-related programs contact Dianne Harris, Community Resource Director – Health Related Programs at dharris@friendshipschools.org.

At the workshop’s closing session, Howard University invited the students to join their delegation at the Association of Minority Health Professionals’ 20th Annual Symposium on Careers in Biomedical Sciences in Houston this spring. It was a great day for these budding healthcare leaders. They returned to Collegiate’s campus excited about their futures and better prepared to make sound college career choices.

The Collegiate Health and Human Services Academy is designed to expose students to careers within the human services sector. Students receive the specialized training needed to become caring, responsible, compassionate public servants. Most importantly, students develop a plan for career advancement and independence. Course offerings and activities focus on Allied Health, Business Adminis-

Early College, continued from previous page curriculum offered in the Friendship junior academies.

Students as early as sixth grade are exposed to advanced reading/English strategies and mathematics principles in Geometry and Algebra. The Early College is prepared to serve more than 400 students in grades six-12.

To learn more about the Early College and how your student can apply contact Dean Arsallah Shairzay at ashairzay@friendshipschools.org.

“I feel that the doors of success are opened, and now I stand at the threshold. I no longer gaze at tomorrow’s opportunities, because I am living opportunity today.”

LaMika Robinson, Early College Class of 2006

Friendship Calendar January-March

Enroll your student for the 2006-2007 school year today! To schedule a school tour or for information contact (202) 675-9060 or visit www.friendshipshipschools.org

January 13

ABC “20/20” airs eye-opening hour special on public schools featuring Friendship Public Charter School Channel: WJLA 7 Time: 10 p.m. - 11 p.m.

January 16

All Schools Closed for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday

January 18

Collegiate Workshop Participants Shaney Davenport Patrice Gray La Toya Akins Alisha Jackson Hope Dunnington Chari Thompson Brittany Stringfellow Joseph James Jessica Kelley Brenda Clevland Tiara Sutherland

Collegiate Academy Science Fair

Location: Collegiate Academy Campus, 4095 Minnesota, Ave., N.E. Time: 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

January 21

Collegiate Academy Parent Open House Location: Collegiate Academy Campus Time: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

January 23-27

Blow Pierce Junior Academy & Collegiate Academy Mid-Term Exams

January 28

Registered high school juniors and seniors SAT Test Date

February 10

Student Learning Contract Conferences at all Friendship schools

February 25

Bright Smiles, Bright Futures In September and October, Colgate-Palmolive’s Bright Smiles, Bright Future mobile van visited Friendship’s four elementary and middle school campuses -- Chamberlain Elementary, Southeast Elementary, Woodridge Elementary and Middle, and Blow Pierce Junior Academy.

On-site dentists and hygienists provided students in pre-kindergarten through grade six with free oral examinations, and students were instructed on the importance of brushing, flossing and eating nutritious

Annual Teaching Job Fair

For more information contact (202) 675-9060

foods that support healthy teeth and gums. Students took home dental hygiene kits and storybooks, and parents received oral health guides that encourage preventative dental practices. Thus far, 994 Friendship elementary and middle school students have been served through the Colgate-Palmolive Bright Smiles, Bright Futures Oral Health partnership.

Periodontal (gum) disease and dental cavities are the most prevalent childhood illnesses and major causes of school absenteeism. Untreated oral problems, such

as swollen gums and rotting teeth, cause children severe pain and infections that can lead to bone decay, speech impediments, chronic fatigue and diabetes.

During National Children’s Dental Health Month in February, Friendship schools will continue initiatives to educate students on oral health and hygiene.

To learn more about Friendship’s Colgate-Palmolive oral health partnership contact Dianne Harris, Community Resource Director-Health Related Programs at dharris@friendshipschools.org.

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5

2004-2005 Year in Review

• 2005, Chamberlain Elementary achieves highest SAT-9 reading and mathematics scores of all District elementary schools of similar demographics • 2005, the Blow Pierce Junior Academy achieves fifth highest SAT-9 mathematics scores of all District junior highs • 2005, Friendship hosts Third Annual Teaching Institute for over 500 educators and staff • 2005, Friendship invests over half a million to revive closed school and open its fifth campus, Southeast Elementary Academy • 2005, Friendship invests nearly $100,000 to install Friendship Cares learning labs across elementary campuses, launched Saturday learning camps

95 Acce

• 2004-2005, Collegiate achieves 95% college acceptance rate, 14% of graduates accepted to nation’s more selective colleges

e Att

ed nd

National

Class of 2005 Graduates

14-24 year old African American High School Graduates 2003

Chamberlain

Stanford Achievement Test, 9th edition (SAT9) National Percentile Rank Fall 1998-Spring 2005 Average Gain: 40.9

Gain: 38.2

Woodridge

Stanford Achievement Test, 9th edition (SAT9) National Percentile Rank Fall 1998-Spring 2005 Average Gain: 24.8

Gain: 43.6

Gain: 17.9

63.6 62.2 64.8 64.2

61.2 63.6 56.4 59.2

40.4 47.0

44.6 45.6

40.4 42

52.8 51.4 51.2

Gain: 30.7 59.2 56.8 54.5 56.7 47.7

29.8

25.4

47.0 44.8 26.0

20.6

Reading

Mathematics

Reading

Blow Pierce

Stanford Achievement Test, 9th edition (SAT9) National Percentile Rank Fall 1999-Spring 2005 Average Gain: 26.9

Gain: 20.7

• 2004, Friendship first District charter school accredited by Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools • 2004-2005, Friendship installs state-of-theart SmartLabTM technology learning centers across secondary campuses, high school features broadcast studio

dt pte

Friendship

• 2004-2005, Woodridge Elementary & Middle adds new wing, launches middle school and prekindergarten programs • 2004-2005, Friendship launches District’s first Early College at Collegiate Academy with University of D.C., Gates Foundation and Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship

61

oc ol l ege

As we look ahead to 2006, let’s take a moment to review Friendship Public Charter School’s achievements for 2004 and 2005.

colle ge

39 so me

Achievement Highlights

95% of Seniors Accepted to College, 14% Attending Selective Colleges

Mathematics

Collegiate Academy

Stanford Achievement Test, 9th edition (SAT9) National Percentile Rank Fall 2000-Spring 2005 Average Gain: 24.7

Gain: 33.0

Gain: 19.2

Gain: 30.2

54.7 41.3 41.3

45.0

53.7

49.0 40.7

39.0

34.0

36.7

32.3 25.5

21.7

20.0

Reading

Mathematics

53.7

43.0

42.7 26.0 26.3

29.3

29.3

Reading

23.5

Mathematics R

Friendship Public Charter School, located in Washington, D.C., was founded in 1997 with the mission of providing a world-class education that motivates students to achieve high academic standards, enjoy learning and develop as responsible, ethical contributors to their communities. Friendship opened its first schools in partnership with Edison Schools Inc., the nation’s leading charter management organization.

Today, Friendship serves nearly 3,500 students at five academically thriving campuses.

Congratulations 2005 Posse Scholarship Winners Friendship’s Posse scholarship winners Treyvon Jackson (Lafayette College), Dominic Lee (Grinnell College), Rajaa Qadri (Bucknell University) and LaMika Robinson (Lafayette College) celebrate with Collegiate Academy Principal Brian Beck at the Second Annual Posse D.C. Awards Ceremony.

The Posse Foundation awarded the four Collegiate seniors with four-year scholarships valued over $100,000 each. Friendship won the greatest number of Posse scholarships from all public and private school applicants in D.C.

Chamberlain Elementary Campus

Woodridge Elementary & Middle Campus

Southeast Elementary Academy Campus

Junior Academy at Blow Pierce Campus

Principal James Shepard Grades K-5 1345 Potomac Ave., S.E. (202) 547-5800

Principal Gary B. Bartee Grades K-6 645 Milwaukee Pl., S.E. (202) 562-1980

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30

Principal Marian K. Bobo Grades Pre K-7 2959 Carlton Ave., N.E. (202) 635-6500

Collegiate Academy at Carter G. Woodson Campus Principal Brian Beck Grades 9-12 4095 Minnesota Ave., N.E. (202) 396-5500

Principal Ralph H. Neal Grades 6-8 725 19th St., N.E. (202) 572-1070

Design: CEDC (www.cedc.org)

About Friendship

IED PRINTING ALL T R A D E S UNION LABEL COUNCIL WA SHINGTON

Enroll Your Student for 2006-2007 School Year! Visit a campus or go to www.friendshipschools.org

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