News & Notes Spring 06

Volume

1 • Issue 2 • Spring 2006

Chairman’s message Two days prior, the Washington Post editorial page reported several statistics on the status public education in the District. Among the facts, last year, only 11 percent of fourth graders and 12 percent of eighth graders in traditional public schools scored at or above “proficient” in reading. A third of traditional public high school students are behind grade level, usually because they have been held back at least once.

On March , I was honored to represent Friendship Public Charter School at an awards ceremony for the District

of Columbia’s highest performing public charter schools. D.C. Mayor Anthony Williams, Councilwoman Cathy Patterson and U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu (La.) presented Friendship with three High Performing School Incentive Awards in recognition of our Chamberlain and Woodridge campuses, and for achieving major system-wide milestones.

Senator Landrieu – a champion for quality education, encouraged communities to embrace the innovation and best practices that make public charter schools, like Friendship, successful. The Senator’s remarks could not have been timelier.

Inside this

issue:

Chairman’s Message

...................................1 Robotics Program Fosters Young Engineers

...................................1 Leading the Way

...................................2 Teen2Teen Hits Airwaves

...................................2 Partners in Education

...................................3 Friendship Calendar

This news report is one of many in recent months, all asking the same question: How do we create high-performing public schools that engage struggle students and consistently raise achievement?

As the District’s largest community of public charter schools, serving nearly 4,000 students on five growing campuses, Friendship understands the non-academic challenges that impede achievement. That is why, from the start, our schools have delivered an instructional program targeting the “whole child” – enhancing academic rigor with wrap-around social services, extended-learning programs and community partnerships.

The Results: Ninety-five percent of graduating seniors are accepted to college. As early as sixth grade, students are introduced to honors, Advance Placement and college-level academics through the Early College curriculum. Secondary campuses are outfit-

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

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

Donald L. Hense Chairman, Board of Trustees

The FIRST Competition is to high school robotics what “March Madness” is to college basketball. Starting in January, students across the United States and abroad partner with professional engineers to build unique mechanical robots. Teams then compete in regional contests similar to basketball. The goal is to show students that mathematics and science offer rich opportunities. For the RoboKnights, the Chesapeake regional was a major victory and a lesson in perseverance.

For six weeks, the RoboKnights worked until 8

Friendship Good News

Can urban public schools engage struggle students and empower all learners to achieve? My answer is a resounding yes!

from Annapolis to Tel Aviv,” exclaimed 11th grader Joseph Brooks, team leader of the Friendship-Collegiate Academy RoboKnights. In March, the team competed before thousands of fans at the Chesapeake FIRST Regional Robotics Competition in Annapolis, Maryland.

Chamberlain Launches National Breakfast Week

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

Friendship staff is highly qualified and dedicated.

Both public and public charter students attend Friendship’s Saturday School. There is a waiting list for our pre-k programs

“It’s exciting to share knowledge with teams

Aim High

Friendship Student Recruitment

Moreover, instruction is extended through partnerships with NASA, the Kennedy Center, the National Symphony Orchestra, D.C. Children and Youth Investment, the National Building Museum, the Woodrow Wilson Foundation, D.C. Department of Health, American University, George Washington University, Howard University, Carnegie Mellon University and the Radio and Television News Director’s Foundation among numerous others.

Robotics Program Fosters Young Engineers

...................................3 ...................................3

ted with SmartLabTM technology. Our elementary campuses are among the highest performing in the District.

p.m. after school and on Saturdays to prepare for the contest. Utilizing the Collegiate SmartLabTM, the team paired with mentors from NASA and the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) to construct a robot capable of propelling a 11 ounce ball into a 7 foot high basketball net.

After two days of intense competition in Annapolis, the RoboKnights advanced several game rounds. However, a surprise announcement sweetened the reward. Joseph Brooks learned that he would travel to Istanbul, Turkey as a NSBE ambassador, and teammate Melvin Kinnard received an acceptance letter to the Rochester Institute of Technology.

“The robotics program is part of our commitment to integrate technology in grades pre-k to 12, and encourage students to pursue high-tech careers.”

Ulf Zeitler Chief Technology Officer Friendship Public Charter School

Continued on Page 2

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Leading the Way Crystal Clark, Resident Principal Friendship-Woodridge Campus Grades pre-k to 7 Affectionately called the “spirit of Woodridge,” Resident Principal Crystal Clark embodies a tireless dedication for school excellence.

“Woodridge is an outstanding school because we have refined the recipe for success. The most important ingredient is our talented students. Add a dynamic instructional staff and supportive parents, and you have an effective learning community.” Resident Principal Clark Crystal Clark began her career in education as a first-grade teacher. In 1999, she joined Woodridge as a student support manager, and in this capacity, displayed a gift for nurturing at-risk students and building productive relationships with parents.

As Woodridge expanded to include a pre-kindergarten and middle school, Clark served as academy director and summer school principal. In June 2005, she was selected for New Leaders for New Schools, a nonprofit program committed to transforming public education by training the next generation of principals. During the program, Clark was appointed resident principal of the Woodridge campus.

“Crystal Clark’s leadership demonstrates what makes Friendship schools exceptional. We are fortunate to have her as a part of our team.” Michael Cordell, chief academic officer, Friendship Public Charter School

Teen2Teen Hits Airwaves TeenTeen, a fun and informative talk radio show produced and hosted by the Friendship News Network is now airing on WOL AM 1450.

Teen2Teen provides area youth an opportunity to shape popular media and explore issues affecting their peers, schools and communities. Show themes focus on such topics as immigration, college admission and school violence prevention as well as the latest in art, movies, music and fashion – all from a teen’s perspective.

Teen2Teen Show Schedule Saturday, May 27:

Crime and the Juvenile Justice System

Saturday, June 24:

Schools and Teens On April 22, Teen2Teen aired its premier program, “The Go Go Show,” that edit shows.” Marilyn Kaufman, project explored the roots of Go Go music director, FNN through an interview with D.C. legend Chuck Brown. The show also featured All radio programs are available on a dialogue with Kevin Coates, a high Podcast by visiting the FNN website school drummer seeking to start his own www.f riendshipnewsnetwork.com.

Go Go band and a Teen2Teen roundFNN partnered with Radio One, Inc. table that examined why teens cannot (the nation’s largest African Ameriget enough of the Go Go sound. can news syndicate) and the Ra“Teen2Teen, like all FNN programs, is a media enterprise run by students.

With guidance from experienced professionals, students select story ideas, write scripts, conduct interviews and

Prem Raj-Ruffin, AP Calculus and Physics Teacher

Teen2Teen Producer and Director: Michael Spikes Teen2Teen Mentors: Sharon Quick, Adrienne Urbina, Nancy Gius, Brandon Sweeney, Reginald Ragland, Mike Song.

Friendship-Collegiate Academy Campus Grades 9 to 12

Teen2Teen Student Producers: Breana Obenson, Jennifer Rowe, Shakisha Thomas, Kyara Lombre, Ceporah Norris, Katarina Smith, Sameerah Stocks, StanleyMartin, Jewel Myles, Anthony Woodland, Naji Copeland, Philmona Tessema, Victoria Popoola.

As an undergraduate at Howard University, AP Calculus and Physics teacher Prem RajRuffin was taught by a brilliant professor.

“Through Dr. Mennella’s tutelage, I discovered Kepler’s three laws of planetary motion; Newton’s first and second laws of motion; differentiation, integration and other mathematical concepts.”

Today, Ruffin inspires an enthusiasm for Calculus and Physics among Collegiate students. Since joining the school staff in 2000, Ruffin’s class has achieved exemplary scores on the AP Calculus exam. In 2005, all of his students went on to pursue higher education.

Prem Raj-Ruffin chose teaching after years in the private sector. He credits his mother for cultivating a thirst for education. “My mother insisted on piano lessons and that I read the Bible. Part of my Sunday routine required that I explain what I had learned. I am still on this quest for higher learning.”

How does Collegiate develop high achievers? According to Ruffin, the educational philosophy makes the difference. “We focus on building supportive communities. We often pursue ‘out of the box’ techniques to do the best we can for our students.”

“Great teachers make great schools. Instructors like Prem RajRuffin make this possible.” Alicia Adams, director of Professional Development, Friendship Public Charter School

dio and Television News Director’s Foundation to produce the first season of Teen2Teen on WOL AM.

Logo Designer: Shaquanda Noble, Blow Pierce Junior Academy

Robotics, from Page 1 Both Collegiate and Blow Pierce offer robotics teams. Accomplishments include: • Collegiate team winners of the 2006 NSBE West Point Bridge Design Competition • Blow Pierce team winners of the 2nd Place Project Award, 2006 FIRST Lego League Tournament • Collegiate team member Treyvon Jackson 2005 Posse Scholar, over $100,000 in scholarships

• Collegiate team graduates 10 seniors accepted to college in 2005, now majoring in premed and engineering • Collegiate team establishes NSBE junior chapter To learn more about the robotics program contact Paula Shelton at pshelton@friendshipschools.org.

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Partners in Education

Venture Philanthropy Partners Venture Philanthropy Partners (VPP) entered into a multi-year investment with Friendship Public Charter School in April. This investment culminates nearly a year of collaboration between the two organizations.

VPP is a philanthropic organization dedicated to improving the lives of children in underserved areas. VPP invests in high performing community-based nonprofits providing large amounts of scarce growth capital and strategic assistance to help great leaders build institutional strength as the key to lasting change.

In May 2005, Friendship established a

partnership with VPP as part of a commitment to meet the range of student needs in the District. With an initial planning grant from VPP, Friendship engaged the consulting firm McKinsey & Co. for a comprehensive review of its current campuses and future aspirations. This process produced a high-impact, five-year strategic plan. Most significant, it demonstrated Friendship’s enduring leadership and solid investment potential.

“This partnership will enable our schools to enhance staff development, academic oversight, facilities upgrades, fiscal management, technology integration and ultimately grow to seven campuses serving more than 6,000 students.” Patricia Brantley, chief operating officer, Friendship Public Charter School.

To learn more about Venture Philanthropy Partners visit www.vppartners.org.

Chamberlain Launches National Breakfast Week The District of Columbia State Education Office selected Friendship-Chamberlain Elementa-

ry as one of two public schools to launch National Breakfast Week, March 6-10. This year’s theme, “Go Places With School Breakfast,” was the focus of a school-wide campaign that included classroom lessons, take home menus and an essay contest for fourth graders.

All 121 Chamberlain fourth graders were asked to write an essay describing why a healthy breakfast is the best way to start a school day.

With the leadership of Chamberlain Principal James Shepard and Academy Director Deanna Mingo, every fourth grader submitted an essay.

Fourth Grader Brienna Perrit was chosen as the contest winner for her composition illustrating how vitamins in a nutritious breakfast fuel a growing body.

The week concluded with state education officials joining Chamberlain students and parents for a breakfast assembly. Deborah Gist, director of the D.C. State Education Office, commended Chamberlain for its nutrition programs and presented the school with a framed proclamation from D.C. Mayor Anthony Williams.

National studies confirm that students who eat a balanced breakfast are more alert, better behaved and more successful in school.

For information on Friendship’s health initiatives contact Dianne Harris, community resource director of Health Related Programs at dharris@friendshipschools.org.

NewSchools shares our commitment and courage.” Donald Hense, chairman, Friendship Board of Trustees

NewSchools Venture Fund NewSchools Venture Fund is a nonprofit venture philanthropy firm working to transform public education by supporting education entrepreneurs.

Their mission is to ensure that all children – especially those currently underserved – are equipped with the skills they need to succeed in the 21st century.

This commitment to effective solutions in public education speaks to the history and purpose of Friendship Public Charter School.

In April, NewSchools awarded Friendship a multi-year grant to support several groundbreaking public education opportunities. They include the opening of Friendship Tech Prep in 2007 – the first high-tech, career-focused high school serving grades seven to 12 in Southeast Washington, D.C. –and supporting the development of a robust Friendship home office to continuously improve the quality of all existing Friendship schools.

To learn more about NewSchools Venture Fund visit www.newschools.org.

“Friendship was founded on the belief that high-quality public education can transform children’s lives. If there is a path to achievement, we will find it.

Friendship salutes our great partners!

Friendship Calendar May 11

Friendship All Staff Summit Location: Collegiate Campus Time: 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.

May 19

Collegiate Senior Prom

May 20

First Annual Friendship Arts Celebration Location: Collegiate Campus Time: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.

May 15

D.C. Composition Test Grades 4, 7 and 10

June 1

Collegiate Graduation Ceremony

June 3

Southeast Saturday Learning Camp Awards Ceremony Location: Southeast Campus Time: 10 a.m. – 12 noon

June 9

Blow Pierce 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony

June 8

Chamberlain 5th Grade Promotion Ceremony

June 13

Woodridge 5th Grade Promotion Ceremony

June 15 & 16

Woodridge Pre-k and Kindergarten Promotion Ceremony

June 16 & 22

Southeast 6th Grade and Kindergarten Promotion Ceremony

July 5

Friendship Summer School Begins

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Friendship Good News Glowing Accreditation Review • Job well done to the entire Friendship staff for an excellent accreditation review.

Congratulations Friendship Spelling Bee Finalists

Recruiting Students for

the 20062007 School Year

• Kayleen Johnson, 4th grader, Chamberlain • Yasmeen Wicks, 6th grader, Woodridge • Cymbre Bowens, 6th grader, Woodridge

Bravo Blow Pierce Basketball Teams • The Blow Pierce boys and girls basketball teams won the 2006 Washington Charter School Athletic League Championship for Middle Schools.

College Preparatory Education for Grades Pre-k to 12 To attend an open house, schedule a school tour or for more information contact (202) 675-9060 or visit www.friendshipschools.org Campuses have reached 90 percent of the recruitment goal!

Saturday Learning Camps Achieve Record Attendance

Only a few slots remain in grades kindergarten, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 at Chamberlain, Blow Pierce and Southeast campuses.

• Southeast and Woodridge achieved a 97 percent student attendance rate this year.

Go Eagles! Go Tigers!

Staff Announcements

Enroll your student Today!

• Dr. Arsallah Shairzay, dean of the Early College, addressed a congressional hearing on Innovative Pathways in the Transition from K-12 to Higher Education, April 4.

“Quality of education and school safety are the top reasons why I chose Friendship.”

• Paula Shelton, Collegiate SmartLabTM instructor, will travel to London, England on a Phi Delta Kappan international scholarship to review technology and literacy programs in the British School System, June 17-24.

Friendship Parent

• Teriauna Harris, Collegiate choir director, advanced to the Hollywood, California auditions of the American Idol television show. Terianua, you are Friendship’s American Idol!

“I never made honor roll before. I had really bad grades. Now, I am on the honor roll!”

Friendship Student

About Friendship

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.

“At other schools, teachers had so many kids that they did not know what to do with my child. When I brought him to Friendship, the teachers invested themselves in his education.

Before, he had to do it all on his own.”

Friendship Parent R

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

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

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

30

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

Design: CEDC (www.cedc.org)

Chamberlain Elementary Campus

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

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