2008

Annual

Fund Campaign

7/1/07-6/30/08

GOAL

$60,000

CONTRIBUTIONS

$40,693

as of 5/12/08

The Annual Campaign is the cornerstone of The Community School’s financial foundation.  It is how contributors from all backgrounds, from modest means to financially comfortable, assure that our students continue to have the opportunity to receive a rigorous academic education, improve their lives, and find success. Contributions to this campaign have ranged from $5.00 to $5,000 and every donation counts.

For more information:

Visit:  Ways to Give Webpage

Email: Donations@TCS-CAMP.com

5.9%

Adminstration

Newsflash 4/5/08  Nearly 30 students, parents, sponsors, staff, and board members from The Community School attended the play “Disguise the Limits” at The Arc Theatre in Washington D.C. today. The play was created and performed by the City at Peace youth group. It is a musical about a group of young people who have come together in a youth-led program.  The play explores the many issues involved in the lives of these young people and their growth in skills, understanding, and relationships to improve their lives.  It was provocative and inspirational, at times funny and others sad, but always captivating.  After the program , students spoke with cast members and program Executive Director Elizabeth Gill.  Several of our students expressed interest in attending auditions to join the group and Tom is talking with Artistic Director Sandra Holloway about bringing the play to Baltimore.

Newsflash 4/2/08  The class was visited today by filmmaker Sande Riesett along with cameraman Matt.  Sandy and Matt were introduced to the school by Amy Elias, a Hampden businesswoman, who also participated in the dialogue with the students.  The group is exploring ways to promote our school through film.

TCS Students, Kenyon, Jarrad & Desmond with cast members from City at Peace.

Newsflash 4/17/08  The last Advisory Board meeting of the year was held tonight in the new back classroom. Chairperson Paul Coates brought the meeting to order and then quickly turned it over to student representatives Kris Watt, Kenyon Paye, Jarrad Gladden, Gary Heathcote, and Desmond Carter.  The students gave presentations on the school year with reflections on both their personal journeys and achievements as well as those of the class. Attending board members Tom Iacoboni, Peggy Lashbrook, Jim Riley, Tony Culotta, Mary Pat Clarke, and Sam Kirsch representing Felix Dialoiso all actively engaged with the students and expressed pride in their growth. This was followed by a discussion about the potential for the approach that we use being spread to other neighborhoods and schools. Before the meeting adjourned the board heard reports about all of the various aspects of our work with plans to conference call during the summer.

Newsflash 4/16/08 The students hosted distinguished visitors from the Baltimore City Public School System today,  They included Jonathan Brice, Executive Director of Student Support; Roger Shaw, Executive Director of Secondary Schools, Laura Weeldreyer, Director of Charter, New and Innovative Schools. Florence Johnson, Director of Extended Learning and Dr. Andre Bundley. Advisory Board member City Councilwoman Mary Pat Clarke also joined us. The group had the opportunity to gain insights into the public school system from our students’  perspective as well as to learn some of the reasons for their success here. It was a truly historic occasion as voice was given to those usually overlooked and our students became the ones turned to for counsel. The group was enthusiastic about our program and pledged to continue dialogue with us as well as extended offers of support. We appreciated their time with us and this continuation of the discussions that started with the visit of BCPS Superintendent Dr. Andres Alonso in February..

Above: Pot Luck Dinner in the main school room.

Right: Teacher’s Assistant Justin Switzer reading a question in “Student Jeopardy.”

Newsflash 4/13/08  The room was overflowing with both people and food at Sunday’s Potluck Dinner. Every student attended and all had family members present to enjoy in the fellowship and festivities. They were joined by sponsors, supporters, neighbors, and board members.  The highlight of the evening was playing our own homegrown version of Jeopardy with categories that included School Trivia, Students, and questions from what has been taught this school year. It was a real chance for the students to showcase what they have learned.  Everyone left beaming with pride, impressed with just how much the students have learned. This was the last dinner of the school term.

Newsflash 4/7/08  The Board of Trustees met this evening to review program operations and begin planning for the new term.  The board also reviewed plans for the End of Year Celebration to take place on June 1st at the Glass Pavilion of Johns Hopkins University.

Newsflash 4/22/08  The class was introduced to a new volunteer today who engrossed them with stories about his life and travels. Don Riesett is a published writer and former advertising executive with an international firm.  Although he grew up in the Pigtown community of Baltimore City, Don has also lived in New York City and London. He is lending his special talents and insights to assist the students in developing their writing abilities.  Don has started meeting with students individually during independent study and will continue 2 afternoons a week.  His help is already very appreciated.

Newsflash 4/22/08  If you are awake early enough, you may see a group of students and Tom walking the streets of Remington.  They have decided to take a brisk walk each morning before school for 20-30 minutes as part of a class on wellness and fitness. 

Newsflash 4/21/08  A special Thank You to Advisory Board member Ginny Bell and her family for donating 2 brand new picnic tables to the school.  Students now have a place to sit in our courtyard during lunch and independent study.