SchoolNotes

DCCompass.com

This week, ANC2C02 home owner Garrette Moore launched the 2.0 version of his online video-only cultural magazine. The Around DC tab currently features a piece on last month's Servathon 08 at Scott Montgomery Elementary in which I got a chance to interview SME principal Melissa Martin. You can also take a ride with Master Patrol Officer Tommy Barnes as he gives his perspective on policing PSA 308. From haute couture benefits for our four legged friends, to tips on tying the perfect tie and great dining and drinking venues in Shaw and throughout the District, this is sure to be a popular site to bookmark.

In the DC Compass directory, the owners of Good Libations, Veranda Restaurant, Queen of Sheba and Big Bear Café get some face time as DC Compass explores some of our favorite local businesses.

There are also shout outs about upcoming "festivents", including this week's gay pride festival — as well as past events you might have missed, but can now get a flavor of on this great new site. Check it out this week and every week.

DCPS Chancellor Michelle Rhee received rock star treatment Thursday from the third and fourth grade students at Scott Montgomery when she stopped by the library to read from one of her favorite children's books: Miss Nelson is Missing. The students were thrilled to meet the Chancellor in person and were eager to ask questions about her work. What they didn't expect was for the Chancellor to share a personal story about herself when she was an elementary school teacher and had to deal with an unruly class of students similar to those in the book she read Thursday.

Apparently, Rhee captivated the Scott Montgomery class and won them over when she shared with them that once while her own students were yelling and screaming and running out of control that a bumble bee flew into her classroom and Rhee caught the bee — and ate it. Once her students realized that Rhee would eat a bumble bee, they thought she was “crazy” and from that day forward approached her with respect and behaved themselves. Her personal story, whether bee-lievable or not, had quite an effect on the library students Thursday as well.

They students didn't even seem to mind being given a homework assignment from the Chancellor which she promised she'd review personally. Several of the students even asked for Rhee's autograph. [ View video clip ]

A photo team from the magazine Fast Company also happened to stop by. Their feature with Rhee and the Scott Montgomery students should appear in the August issue of that publication.

On Wednesday, May 21, Scott Montgomery Library All Stars were treated to a day of artistic expression compliments of Color Me Mine owner Deidre Lee who brought the components of her own art studio to the school. The young artists displayed a talent for painting clay figures in the forms of airplanes, turtles, fairies, starfish boxes, princesses, castles and dinosaurs. These All Stars introduced themselves to the volunteers who came out to assist them as lovers of books who really respect and know their way around the school library.

Ms. Lee's Color Me Mine studios are open in downtown Silver Spring on Ellsworth Drive (301.565.5105) and in Adams Morgan on 18th Street. Check out the offerings at SsilverSpring.ColorMeMine.com.

Family Reading Night at Scott Montgomery, May 7, 2008 was a great success thanks to all who got involved. Families, teachers, neighbors and local business owners.

Cake provided by Heller's Bakery and the owners of Veranda Restaurant.

Principals Melissa Martin (left, Scott Montgomery) and Jessica Cunningham (right, KIPP:DC).

Chef Jean Claude Le Lan Served up delictible crepes and his famous chocolate mousse for guests.

A few of the teachers at Scott Montgomery were very happy about the awesome turnout.

6:30 pm - 8:30 pm, May 20, 2008
Shaw Middle School
925 Rhode Island Ave NW

The Office of the State Superintendent of Education is hosting a Citywide Parent Involvement Planning Meeting for parents, caregivers, and guardians. For more infromation or to request interpretation services, please contact John Stokes,Family & Community EngagementDCPS, by telephone at (202) 724-2010 John.AStokes ]at[ dc.gov.

On Friday, I accompanied Scott Montgomery's principal, her staff and two bus loads of excited third and fourth graders to the Warner Theatre for a special student matinee of Septime Webre's Cinderella set to a score by Sergei Prokofiev. From their applause and cheers of "bravo!," brava!" and "bravi!" the students seemed to be thrilled by the performance, the graceful and acrobatic dance, slapstick comedy, costumes and music. For most, it was their first time at the ballet and for some the first time at the theatre. In this production, when the prince went out to search for the rightful owner of the glass slipper, he not only searched his in his own realm but he explored the world represented by citizens of various cultures garbed in native costumes. It was great to help some of these Shaw students appreciate the benefits of living in a culturally diverse world class city.

There are a lot of reasons that one-third of the District's young people don't bother to show up for school. Many students are struck by strange maladies that occur just before school. In reality, though, many of these students aren’t sick. They just don't think it's important to show up. They don't appreciate the time and energy that parents, teachers and residents expend to create quality schools or the wasted tax dollars. They would rather sit in front of the idiot box or stand out on the street corners than attend school.

There's not much that can be done for many of these students. It's difficult to engage them once they become distracted. The one thing adults and leaders can do is simple: They can set a good example. They can show up for their jobs, family events, and community events. Young people learn by watching the adults around them.

With that in mind, it’s hard to excuse School Chancellor Michelle Rhee for missing Wednesday's Family Reading Night at Scott Montgomery Elementary. Rhee was the featured speaker at the event and hundreds of residents jammed the auditorium to hear her speak. Unfortunately, thirty minutes before she was scheduled to speak, and as parents were still streaming in if from a long queue outside, Rhee sent word that she would not attend.

Montgomery school officials had rescheduled this event three times to accommodate the chancellor’s schedule. A CBS Evening News crew arrived at 4:50 with five people as part of an ongoing story they are working on about the chancellor. They spent a lot of time setting up and interviewing staff. They were told at 6:10 that Rhee would not be coming and immediately packed up and left.

Rhee’s absence said more than any of the elegant speeches she has given about raising educational standards. Many Shaw residents will now remember Rhee as the “one who didn’t show up.”

Scott Montgomery faculty and staff worked hard to make Family Reading Night a great success and to make a good impression on the chancellor. They secured thousands of books for students to select from and keep. They prepared hundreds of educational games for the students to play in the school library with their parents and take home. Community partners pitched in, too. Several small business owners donated food for the event. And residents responded. Hundreds of them attended the event eager to meet the school chancellor.

Of course, they went home disappointed. At least, they were disappointed in the chancellor.

I hope that Rhee has the good sense to apologize. An official apology to parents, teachers and students is in order. She might also consider personally meeting the two third graders who had planned to introduce her. The youngsters worked hard on their speeches, only to be forced to rewrite them on the fly. Luckily, these two kids were more than up to the task. Rhee should take some time out of her schedule to show some appreciation for their BRILLIANCE and apologize personally. These two SMES students are perfect examples of the fantastic work that teachers at Scott Montgomery are doing every day. The also reflect the time and energy of concerned SMES parents who value a good education and do their part to help their children achieve. They are also popular role models, well respected by their classmates.

The success of tonight's event made it clear to everyone that Rhee's presence wasn't really needed. That may be the silver lining. It’s not necessarily a bad thing when residents realize that they can accomplish great things without the interest, attendance or support of powerful people.

People work together because they believe in what they are doing despite the fact that Shaw has been so neglected and underserved by the District government and now an absentee school Chancellor. They do it because they can at least believe in our kids if they can't believe in the vacuous words of neglectful, dismissive government officials.

Martin Moulton
Friend of Scott Montgomery Elementary

P.S. Incidentally, I overheard someone mention that Rhee bumped some of the Washington Wizards off the Family Reading Night program. I bet if the Wizards had been scheduled they would have shown up. And I imagine, if offered the choice next time, the kids and parents won't think twice about who they'd prefer to spend the evening with.

Not only is the color of students' school uniforms green, but Scott Montgomery Elementary is a part of a "green" initiative by serving as a location to drop off used printer cartridges and cell phones for recycling and to keep these items out of landfills. By helping the community in this way, SME earns books and cash to fund student book groups from the FundingFactory recycling program.

Community and business supporters can also drop off cartridges and cell phones at the school office or the school library. To learn more about supporting Scott Montgomery Elementary School, please contact Mrs Evangelista, the school librarian and media specialist, at (202) 673-7245.

During a video shoot with DCCompass yesterday, I spoke with the Melissa Martin, the Principal at Scott Montgomery Elementary School in my single member district, about what it means to the kids when the community comes out and works hard to improve the environment in and around the school. She told me it encourages students to work harder at their studies because it makes them feel that a lot of people care about them and their success — and it makes them feel great.

This year's Servathon2008 sponsored by Greater DC Cares accomplished a lot with the help of a horde of volunteers. [ View slideshow ]

One neighbor, outside my SMD and across New Jersey Avenue, actually dug up a dogwood from his own yard to add something special the school campus and spruce up the corner at Fifth & P Streets NW. Scott Montgomery teachers and staff, several neighbors from ANC2C02 and volunteers from around the district came out to do what they could in this annual four-hour blitz that takes place at schools all round the District.

When we work together, there are amazing things we can accomplish. A little elbow grease can really go a long way. Considering the District's truancy rate at public schools, it's good to know that there are things local residents can do have an impact helping to make schools a dynamic engine for empowering neighborhood kids. There are many volunteers who volunteer time at Scott Montgomery for various programs whether it be through KIPP:DC or programs like the girls and guys reading groups.

Schools Chancellor Michelle Rhee will be at Scott Montgomery this week to show how much she cares about the kids there. On Saturday, I ran into of of the third graders who was looking forward to Family Reading Night on Wednesday.

Even Mark Bjorge (above) from Mayor Fenty's Ward 2 Community Services staff came by to lend a hand.

8am-1pm, Saturday, May 3
Scott Montgomery Elementary, 421 P Street NW

Scott Montgomery Elementary will have folks who signed up for Servathon 2008 working in and around the school on various projects from painting interior walls to landscaping outside. SME's new forman of custodians, Mr. Hooker, and other school staff will be on hand working with volunteers. Even if you did not sign up before hand, please stop by even for an hour our two and help out if you can.

There are a lot of great students at the SME and they deserve to have the best learning environment possible.

There are a lot of DC residents, parents and stake holders in the District's public school system who are very concerned about Mayor Fenty and School Chancellor Rhee's plan to limit public hearings on the DCPS budget and change the way information about the budget was disclosed in the past as is still required by law [Section 4031 of the Budget Support Act] before the budget is presented to the DC Council. They Mayor's proposal seeks to put the budget approval process in line with that of other District agencies and increase the efficiency of the process.

Please look over this petition from the DC Coalition for Democracy in Education, and consider signing it if you feel strongly about this issue.

"The amount of information we get makes it difficult to evaluate the spending proposal before us. ... We share the same concern . . . about the adequacy of information and transparency."
— DC Council Chair Vincent Gray

Early College Awareness Program
For 7th, 8th, 9th Grade Students and their parents and mentors

Saturday, May 3, 2008
9:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.
Garnet-Patterson Middle School
10th & U Streets, N.W.
At the U Street Metro Stop (Green/Yellow Lines)

College prep seminars for 7th, 8th, 9th Grade Students and their parents and mentors. Learn how College can help with students’ future careers, and how to start now to prepare for College.

• College students who come from D.C. will tell how they prepared, and what their College experience has meant to them
• Experts will show how students can prepare now and during high school
• Students and parents/mentors parents will learn about how to get “Financially Fit” for College, and about Financial Aid and scholarship programs available

If you plan to attend, please contact tom ]at[ communityclub.org, hosted by Harvard Club of Washington, DC in partnership with District of Columbia Public Schools

Door prizes and free pizza will be available!

Today, at-Large Councilmember Carol Schwartz paid a visit to Scott Montgomery's third and fourth graders who will be taking the DC-CAS test next Tuesday through May 2. The District of Columbia Comprehensive Assessment System (DC-CAS) is a test taken each April by DCPS students to measure their knowledge and skills in math, reading, science and writing.

Schwartz asked students to talk about and share their own best practices for test taking and being properly prepared with each other. She also advised students to get plenty of rest the night before and to eat a good healthly breakfast before taking the exam.

Principal Melissa Martin introduced her students to the Councilmember and explained the important role Schwartz plays in District government.

Update: with sponsors and contributors

6:00pm, Wednesday, May 7 [new date]
Scott Montgomery Elementary School, 421 P Street NW

Scott Montgomery has announced an upcoming family reading night. DCPS Chancellor Michelle Rhee's office has confirmed that she will attend.The school will be having a book shopping bag for each child who attends, whether they are Scott Montgomery students or not, allowing each child to pick out 3-5 books that are interesting to her or him. There will also be a dinner, with some food provided by Whole Foods, a family games hour and family oriented prizes such as family movie and theatre passes.

The LEAP (before and after care run by the New Community for Children [NCFC]) program will be running a family game program for the event. KIPP:DC students and parents will participate as well.

Sponsors:
First Book and Steptoe & Johnson

Contributors:
Studio Theatre, The Naitonal Zoo, The Newseum, Whole Foods - P Street, Greater DC Cares, United House of Prayer, McLean Bible Church and Chef Jean-Claude

Update Saturday, April 12: Gibert Arenas scored 10 points in Friday's game against the Pistons which means Scott Montgomery will get $1000 for their various programs ‘Scores for Schools’ program. Unfortunately, the Wizards lost to the Pistons 74-102 in last night's game.

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Wizards guard Gilbert Arenas will be assisting his team again in their match against the Detroit Pistons. Arenas will also be assisting Scott Montgomery Elementary by donating $100 for each basket he scores for the school. Go Arenas! Go Wizards! Go Scott Montgomery!

Yesterday morning, in the school's guys read program, there was another very heated contest as I and Martin assisted opposing teams in a battle of words and wits in a Brain Quest match up which ended in a dead heat. Apparently, the boys spent their entire recess yesterday afternoon planning their strategies to compete for a more decisive victory next week.

Scott Montgomery's Mrs Evangelista is training her students with razor sharp skills by enhancing their reading classes with word games and quizzes.

Scott Montgomery's Principal, Melissa Martin, myself, and School Librarian and Media Specialist Frances Evangelista, are all looking forward to a big victory for the Wizards tonight. Mrs Evangelista seems to practice a little wizardry of her own on the students, because I have never seen children get upset when they are not given books to take home to read for homework as I have seen in her class.

In addition to expanding their worlds through reading, Ms Evangelista encourages the students to expand their tastes for healthy foods. This week the guys were introduced to roasted red pepper hummus and pomegranate juice which apparently none of them had ever tried before. Although not all the guys were enthusiastic about tasting either item, all of them were eager to sample something new with an open mind. Next week: Mexican breakfast.

For the Family Reading Night in May, Chef Jean Claude plans to treat the students to his signature chocolate mousse and serve children, their parents, school staff, Chancellor Rhee and other neighborhood guests to authentic French crepes made to order.

“I want to score a lot of points so we can assist as many students, teachers and schools as possible.”
— Gilbert Arenas, Wizards Guard

Prior to the start of this year's basketball season, Scott Montgomery Elementary was selected to be one of the schools that Arenas will play for this season as part of the Washington Wizard’s ‘Scores for Schools’ program.

Arenas donates $100 for every point he scores at home games and the owners donate $100 for every point he scores on the road. Since Arenas is not playing right now, the owners are donating $100 for every point the two top scorers post for the assigned game. Scott Montgomery Elementary School's night is coming up on Friday, April 11 for the game with the Detroit Pistons.

The Washington Convention Center Authority and the Department of Public Works (DPW) have once again kindly provided free mulch for residents in the community. The mulch was left over from last weekend's Washington Home & Garden Show. Varying amounts have been made available all around Shaw this morning. The drop pictured here is at Scott Montgomery Elementary at 5th & P Streets NW. There is usually mulch left at 10th & P Streets at Seaton Elementary School as well.

9am-3pm; March 24-28
(Extended care available)
The Theatre Lab, School of the Dramatic Arts
733 8th Street NW, (202) 824-0449

Held on days when there's no school but parents usually have to work!

School's Out camps, modeled on The Theatre Lab’s award-winning Summer Acting Camps for Kids, are perfect for children age 6-12, who enjoy being creative and making new friends, and are designed to be fun for novices as well as kids who have already been bitten by the drama bug. Drama activities are scheduled from 9:00am-3:00pm. Families can extend a child's day from 8:30am-5:00pm by choosing our extended-day recreational activities option. Register here.

It was just announced publicly this week that Wiencek Associates will be bringing a new project to the Scott Montgomery Elementary School and judging from some of their previous work, it should be pretty nice. The new building will occupy almost half the footprint of the existing Scott Montgomery building. It will connect to the existing building on the north side and take up a large portion of what is now just a concrete and asphalt area that is a poor excuse for a children's playground.

The new annex will house a fantastic new early childhood learning center for KIPP DC: WILL Academy for Scott Montgomery students and a state of the art gymnasium with an indoor basketball court for Scott Montgomery and KIPP DC: WILL Academy. Originally, the project was set to break ground next month, but DCPS made a decision to wait until the current renovations to the second floor of the Scott Montgomery building — now devoted to the KIPP program — are complete. At this time, the new construction is slated to begin in June this year with completion set for the early part of 2009.

Wiencek Associates' portfolio includes the Chevy Elementary School, The Morris & Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation, and Lakewood ES in Rockville MD. The firm has also done work recently in Shaw. It put a few updates on the exterior of 1330 7th Street as part of a project that included more substantial interior renovations in community rooms and the lobby.

Visions of the Past, Glimpses into the Future
Download BLACK HISTORY PROGRAM
9:30 a.m., February 26, 2008
Scott Montgomery Elementary School

Principal Melissa Martin will be hosting an event for students and parents at the school in celebration of Black History Month. The event will feature special presentations in songs and readings from students and teachers. There will also be a "surprise guest."

Veranda Restaurant's owners have once again kindly offered to help out with the celebration by providing one of their fantastic cakes for the event.