2009

Annual

Fund Campaign

Everyone

Can Help

7/1/08-6/30/09

GOAL

$60,000

CONTRIBUTIONS

$32,579.89

as of 3/26/09

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

Newsflash 2/6/09 There was excitement in the air when Football Hall of Famer and Baltimore Colts Legend Lenny Moore unexpectedly stopped by the school today. Mr. Moore was part of the legendary team that included Quarterback Johnny Unitas and was a key player in what is known as “The Greatest Game Ever Played” between the Colts and Giants in 1958. Mr. Moore met students from the school at the Associated Italian-American Charities in mid-January.  He promised to visit the school and made good on his word in just a few weeks. With a lifelong interest in young people in Baltimore, Mr. Moore runs a scholarship program in his son Leslie’s name that helps young people go to college. We were honored to have him visit the school and proud that he has pledged to continue a relationship with the students and the school.

Newsflash 2/9/09 The class was visited today by Gary Bozel and Crystal Oliver of the accounting firm of Gary R. Bozel & Associates. This team is wrapping up an independent audit of the school and are giving it a clean bill of health. Gary & Crystal observed class for over an hour and then had a discussion with the students about what works at this school and the hopes they have for the future. We appreciate the interest Gary has shown in the school and look forward to a long term relationship with his firm to build our capacity.

Newsflash 2/16/09 The students enjoyed a delicious feast provided by Jacque and Tom Iacoboni along with their daughter Briana today. The lunch was followed by an in depth discussion where Tom shared his experience as founder and president of his company, Iacoboni Site Specialists. The students heard about the steps and efforts that Tom went through to start his business as well as what it has taken to keep it successful.  Much of the conversation focused on what makes a good employee or “team member” as Tom stated.  The students explained the habits and values that are ingrained in everyone in the school, especially the five habits of a successful student. Tom reinforced that these are the same habits that he finds in his most valued workers and that he subscribes to himself.  Tom’s wisdom dovetailed with a topic that the students have been working on for the last several days - the importance of being thorough. The valuable time spent together left all with full stomachs and much food for thought. Tom and Jacque are familiar faces to the students and active members of the school community,  We give our deepest thanks to them for their generous sharing of their time and for the kindness and care they have shown throughout the years to the students.

Advisory Board member Tom Iacoboni visits the class with his wife Jacque, and daughter Briana.

Newsflash 2/12/09 The United Methodist Women from Good Shepherd Church provided a Valentine’s Day pizza party for the students today.  Desert was brought by parent and sponsor Angela McCarty and individual treats were provided by parent and sponsor Barbara Foltz along with volunteer staff Peggy Lashbrook.  Thank you one and all for making it a special day.

Newsflash 2/19/09 The students formed an activity committee today to help plan a series of events this spring.  The first event is the Pot Luck Dinner on Sunday, March 1st.  This event is open to everyone from the school community. Students are planning some special  entertainment for the dinner. Additional activities range from a Washington D.C. field trip in early April to the Smithsonian and the Holocaust museums to the first international trip in the school’s history to Niagara Falls and Toronto.

Newsflash 2/19/09 The students enjoyed a visit today by Barry Bacteria who explained all about the unique characteristics of bacteria as well as both their helpful and harmful uses. Barry was the creation of student Anthony Mulcahy who surprised  and delighted the students with his educational appearance.

Newsflash 2/17/09 The school welcomes new staff member Byung Joon Park.  Byung Joon comes to the school as a workstudy student from Johns Hopkins University, sponsored by the Center for Social Concern at the university. He joins the group of volunteers who provide one-on-one  academic support during independent study sessions. Welcome aboard Byung Joon!

Pro Football Hall of Famer Lenny Moore joined by students Jarrad Gladden, Amanda McCarty & Desmond Carter.

Newsflash 2/23/09 The students were surprised by a visit from Baltimore Colts Player Lenny Moore today. Mr. Moore shared stories of his youth and the struggles and sacrifices of his parents.  The students listened intently as he reflected on the challenges that he and the other African-Americans on the team faced.  Mr. Moore explained the importance of knowing yourself as well as the connections between history, culture, values, lifestyle, and behaviors. His message about the importance in his life of family support and a strong community was a meaningful message to us all. What a privilege it is to have this wise and caring man who has been such a vital part of Baltimore’s history as a regular visitor to our school!

Newsflash 2/23/09 Charles Darwin was in the house yesterday as school volunteer John Weber gave a presentation to the class on his life. The students heard about both Darwin’s personal life as well as his contributions to science and understanding our world.  John even brought in a ship’s chronometer to show the students how longitude was calculated on Darwin’s voyage. The students are in the midst of a year long study of biology that has included a substantial section on evolution. We appreciate John taking the time from his normal volunteer work, setting up the school with a new bookkeeping system, to share with the students.

Newsflash 2/26/09 Maggie Muth, the Art Education Coordinator for School 33 and the Bright Starts Program, spoke with the students about initiating an art education program in the school. The hope is to have an eight week program in place before the term ends.

Newsflash 2/25/09 The students welcomed new staff member Martin Ndegwa to the school today.  Martin is an intern and senior from Towson University who will be with us until the end of the term.  Martin was born and raised in Nairobi, Kenya and is well traveled.  He will bring that experience into the geography class as the students study the African continent. Martin will also be working directly with the students 2 days a week during Independent Study and will assist Tom in developing enrichment materials for the curriculum.  Welcome aboard Martin!

Newsflash 2/27/09 All of the graduating students who are planning on leaving the school this year took the practice G.E.D. test today. This will help them focus their extra study during the last trimester to assure their preparedness for the exam.

Newsflash 2/26/09 As part of the students’ study of West Africa, Daniel Berger shared his experiences studying and working in Ghana. The students have been on a year long study of geography.

Visit by Barry Bacteria to the school.

Visit by Tom, Jacque, & Briana Iacoboni to class.

Volunteer Tutors, Sarah Novotny and Daniel Berger working students during Independent Study

Lenny Moore talks with students as new tutor Byung Joon Park looks on.