2009

Annual

Fund Campaign

Everyone

Can Help

7/1/08-6/30/09

GOAL

$60,000

CONTRIBUTIONS

$25,221.32

as of 1/23/08

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

Newsflash 11/23/08 Through the combined efforts of volunteer and neighbor Jesse Warford, Trustee Lisa Gavin, and Eddie Gavin and his crew at CSC Construction, the school is now fully wired for internet.  The back classroom building is now networked with the rest of the facility and there is a computer for each student in the school.  We appreciate the ongoing efforts of Jesse & Lisa in setting up our network and keeping it and the computers operational

Sponsor Meeting

December 10th

Newsflash 1/15/09 The Community School has incorporated cutting edge educational technology by installing SMART board equipment in the classrooms.  This includes touchscreen whiteboards that are linked to computers and the internet.  The hardware also includes a remote airboard enabling even a student with limited mobility the opportunity to write on the main board. The system has Senteo clickers so students can interact individually and instantly with the material being presented. The last part of the bundle includes document projection cameras for each board. All of this was made possible with a grant from Diane Miles and the Verizon Foundation who provided funds for the purchase of the equipment.  The congregation of St. Andrew’s Christian Community Church kindly donated funds for the purchase of a laptop to run the system.  We are very grateful to Bennett Collins and all of the folks at CCS Presentation Systems for stretching our dollars and securing the support of the SMART company in providing special price reductions. None of this would have happened without the vision and hard work of school volunteer Peggy Lashbrook.  Our deepest thanks to all.

Newsflash 1/14/09 For the sixth year in a row, the commitment and generosity of the Italian Community in Baltimore was shown through a major donation to The Community School.  This contribution would not have happened without the specific advocacy and kindness of our Advisory Board members: Tom Iacoboni, Felix Dialoiso, and Tony Culotta. We are also fortunate to have the active involvement and support of many members of AIAC including Chris Mazzulli. The students and staff were invited to the dinner as the guests of Tom and Jacque Iacoboni and for most of them, it was their first time at such an event. Many worthwhile organizations are supported by the Associated Italian American Charities and a large number of scholarships were given out as well. It was a celebration of Italian heritage and the value of gratitude and giving back that was built by their immigrant ancestors. This support has been the cornerstone to our stability and renewed growth these past six years and we are deeply appreciative.  Graze Mille!

Students, Board members, and guests at the Associated Italian-American Charities Annual Award Dinner      (more photos at bottom of web page)

Newsflash 1/8/09 The school received a grant from The Abell Foundation today. This is the fourth year that the foundation has supported our work since foundation President Bob Embry first visited the school and met with the class.  The students had a lively and interesting discussion with foundation representative Bonnie Legro during the fall. We have been fortunate to have the support for so many years of foundation Vice-President Sita Culman. This grant is used to help fund employment for graduates of the school who are in college and continue to work with the current class. We are very grateful for this consistent support.

Newsflash 1/13/09 The school was honored to welcome 3 members of the congregation of St Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Church today.  Mary Vaden, Eileen   O’Brien, and Mary Ellen Kaplan observed class and then enjoyed a conversation with the students about education, hopes, and dreams.  We appreciate their visit and the support that St. Francis has given the school.

Newsflash 1/3/09 Student Kris Watt led his team of volunteers today to complete his project to beautify the outside of the school.  They built flower boxes, a new accessible picnic table for the backyard, and refinished a bench that was once used around the Washington Monument. The project received critical support in its final days from Advisory Board member Jim Riley.  There will be a dedication ceremony in the spring to thank all of those who helped Kris with this project that will earn him the rank of Eagle in the Boy Scouts of America.

Volunteers Completing the Beautification Project

Newsflash 1/13/09 Volunteer staff member Susama Agarwala received an offer of a professorship in the Math Department from the California Institute of Technology.  This is one of the most prestigious universities in the country and a real honor for Susama who just completed her doctorate at Johns Hopkins University in December.  Susama has been a volunteer in our math class for 2 hours every day for the past year and a half.  Although we will be sorry to see her leave at the end of this term, we recognize this achievement  with deep respect.

Justin Switzer, flanked by students, thanking the AIAC members on behalf of the school

Advisory Board member Felix Dialoiso with students Sara, Ebony, Kris and Rin.

Football legend and Hall of Fame  inductee Lenny Moore talking with students Desmond, Lindsay, Evan,  and Jarrad.

Associated Italian American Charities Awards Dinner  January 13, 2009

Newsflash 1/25/09  We are proud to announce the accomplishments of 2 of our graduates.  Lauren Dure has completed her studies and licensing requirements and is now a Licensed Practical Nurse. Lauren is already preparing to continue on toward her goal of being a Registered Nurse. Justin Switzer has been awarded his Associates of Arts Degree from Baltimore City Community College.  Justin will complete his Bachelors degree at Stevenson University this spring.

Newsflash 1/22/09 This has been a week of good eating for the students.  They enjoyed a delicious lunch today of croissant sandwiches, chips, and drinks provided by Fumiko Campbell.  On Tuesday, sponsor and volunteer Barbara Foltz prepared a taco dinner for the students, and on Monday, Trustee Aduke Hubbard cooked a large pot of homemade chile and cornbread.  Next week, the  feast will continue, when the United Methodist Women of Good Shepherd Church bring in spaghetti and meatballs.  This care for the students is deeply appreciated.

Alumni & LPN Lauren Ashley Dure with current students and future nurse Lindsay Bigham and future pediatrician Samantha Sloat.

Newsflash 1/29/09  The Advisory Board held its first meeting of the new year tonight.  The meeting was convened by newly elected Chairwoman Sherry Welch.  Attending were members Tom Iacoboni, Ken  Bancroft, Carol Berman, Felix Dialoiso, Peggy Lashbrook, and Tom Culotta. The group received and discussed reports on all aspects of the school operation and program. The mission and structure of the Advisory Board were discussed and new members were proposed.  A meeting schedule was adopted with the next to be held on Thursday, March 26th.