June 2008
2008
Annual
Fund Campaign
7/1/07-6/30/08
GOAL
$60,000
CONTRIBUTIONS
$43,795
as of 6/30/08
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
LINKS TO ARCHIVED NEWS
Click on date below to take you to calendar and news page
March 2007 April 2007 May 2007 June 2007 July 2007 September 2007
October 2007 November 2007 December 2007 January 2008 February 2008
FAST FACT
46% of the students in the school have jobs where they work at least 3 days a week in addition to attending school for nearly 10 hours a day. These jobs range from retail to restaurant, and grocery stores to assisted living facilities and nursing homes. Several other students perform odd jobs and seasonal work.
Thanks to This Month’s Donors:
Bank of America Charitable Foundation * Vicki & Wm. Randolph Spence * Barbara Foltz * Joan Senyck * Tom Culotta * Jana Carey & Ben Yuhas * Justin Switzer * John Hancock Financial Services Matching Gifts Program * George Tilson, Jr. * Sam’s Club * St. Andrew’s Christian Community Church * Maxwell Brown * Sally Kearsley Scholarship Fund * St. John’s of Baltimore City United Methodist Congregation * Aduke & Risasi Hubbard * Lila Amsel Williams Children’s Foundation * Derek & Marie Joost * Chuck Bryant * Dick Ulrich * Chanin & Kevin Mountz * Harry & Jeanette Weinberg Foundation
94.1%
Program Costs
Adminstration
“I visited this extraordinary place last week. I don’t know if you’ve been there, The Community School. It’s extraordinary. It’s a one room school house...It has a remarkable teacher in front of the classroom. Some of the things that everybody says are the impediments to instruction are exactly what’s going on in that room, and it is used as the trampoline to success...The key thing for me is that in that room there’s a key to success which is how a group of kids and an adult working together and the ethos, if I can use that word, is all about success and responsibility for the kids. Our alternative schools should be exactly that way. Our comprehensive high schools have to move from fixed notions of what should be going on in a class to highly flexible approaches to students based upon what they are learning.”
Dr. Andres Alonso, Superintendent
Baltimore City Public Schools 2/18/08
NOTE: The Sunpapers did an interview with Dr. Alonso where he expressed his excitement about visiting our school. You can see the interview by clicking on this link. The part on our school is at 9 minutes on the video and you can fast forward to there. CLICK HERE
Fast Fact: The attendance average for students in the 2007/2008 Term is 98.3%.
End of Year Ceremony:
A Huge Celebration !
Students on stage before receiving certificates.
Newsflash 6/1/08 A spirited End of Year Ceremony was held today at The Glass Pavilion at Johns Hopkins University. Attending were students, families sponsors, board members, volunteers and supporters. The event opened with a welcome by Trustee Chairperson David Bayer and Remarks from Advisory Board Co-Chairs Paul Coates and Ken Bancroft.
A keynote speech that was both inspirational and personal was given by City Councilwoman Mary Pat Clarke. Mary Pat, who is also an active member of our Advisory Board, spoke about the key events of the year and the special accomplishments of this class.
Class Valedictorian Thomas Magaha shared his personal journey, experiences in the school, and plans for the future. His moving speech was followed by a film titled What a Wonderful Year! that featured all of the students and several sponsors. The film shared accounts of the students school experiences that were at times deeply moving and other times very funny.
Students Jackie Bales, Lindsay Bigham, Desmond Carter, Sara Ciulla, Erin Foltz, Jarrad Gladden, Gary Heathcote, Ebony Love, Thomas Magaha, Steven Martin, Destini Miller, Kenyon Paye, and Kris Watt all received Certificates of Recognition and Completion for the school term. Kenyon, Kris and Thomas also received Certificates of Honors for completing the year with a grade point average about 90%.
For the second year in a row the Trustees gave Beacon Awards to outstanding Alumni. This year’s award went to Lauren Dure who is completing her studies to become a Licensed Practical Nurse and to Justin Switzer recognizing his achievements as a Senior at Villa Julie College and also as a teacher at The Community School.
The event was followed by a grand reception prepared by event committee members Dave Bayer, Sherry Welch, Aduke Hubbard, and Lisa Gavin along with dozens of volunteers. It was the largest and one of the finest End of Year Ceremonies ever held by The Community School.
Student Kenyon Paye’s family enjoying food and fellowship at EOY Ceremony.
Thank You to Salem Reimer and the Johns Hopkins University for donating the use of the Glass Pavilion for our End of Year Ceremony. You helped us to make this an extra special event.
Trip to The Beach House
Newsflash 5/29/08 The students enjoyed their 2nd Annual year end field trip as guests at the beach house of Gordy & Debbie Loetz. Whether it was boating, tubing or beach volleyball the day was full of fun-filled activities. The day ended with a campfire on the beach with all exhausted from a great day. It was a well deserved end for this hardworking group of students as they wrapped up their school term. Thank you Gordy, Debbie, Chris & Chase for a memorable day!
Excerpts from Valedictory Speech:
“The last two years at The Community School were unlike any other school experience that I have ever witnessed. I’ve never been surrounded by as many motivated students or teachers.”
“...Tom taught me how to react in similar situations and how to react to failure. It was little moments like these that helped shape me into the fine young man I am today.”
“Even though my time as a student is over, I’ll always have this school for support.”
- Thomas Magaha
Advisory Board member Peggy Lashbrook with student Sara Ciulla tubing on the Severn River
Excerpt from Mary Pat Clarke’s Keynote Address at the End of Year Ceremony where she saluted the class:
“Jackie, the jubilant
Lindsay, our fashion plate
Desmond, the determined
Sara, our future radio star
Erin, our comeback-achieving kid
Jarrad, the Bronco’s best
Gary, our “know the scoop” newshound
Ebony, our future entrepreneur
Thomas, our high-five valedictorian
Steven, our charmer and our inspiration
Destini, our future cosmetologist
Kenyon, top techie in the computer field Kristophor, who soars like an eagle”
“KEEP IT UP. PASS IT ON:
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-your courage in giving yourself a 2nd chance
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-your support and help for each other
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-your wisdom in advising the entire public school system
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-your role as heroes and heroines to younger friends and relations and to the next generation of Community School Students.
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-your loyalty to The Community School and to the loved ones in your lives who have been there for you.
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-your experience that together you can change the world for the better....”
STUDENT NEWS
Student Steven Martin heads off to youth camp in West Virginia where he will spend the summer as a camp counselor. This is his first year as a camp counselor and he is really looking forward to the experience.
STUDENT NEWS
Student Kris Watt heads off for his 2nd summer in a row to Broad Creek Memorial Boy Scout Reservation. Kris is part of the the staff there and is responsible to train and help 1st year scouts meet their requirements for advancement. Kris is also working on his Eagle rank.
Newsflash 6/1o/08 Summer Math Session started today with the 1st of twice weekly classes that will take place every Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. This totally voluntary program was requested by the students and nearly the whole class is participating. The program is also open to applicants for the fall term. More than 16 students are already participating. Four areas of study offered are remedial, high school, G.E.D. prep, and college exam preparation. Tom, Justin, and Susama are all involved in teaching this class.
Host Gordy Loetz talking with students on the boat dock of the Severn River.
FAST FACT
Three Students are taking their G.E.D. exam in June - Jackie Bales, Thomas Magaha, and Gary Heathcote. Two students will be taking the July test - Destini Miller and Kenyon Paye.
Newsflash 6/17/08 Tom and Justin attended a panel discussion at the Baltimore World Trade Center today entitled “College Education as a Path Out of Poverty.” The session was sponsored by the Jobs Opportunities Task Force. Most of the presentations focused on the critical role that community colleges are filling in preparing people for “middle level” jobs. These jobs opportunities are fast growing and are a means to improve a person’s income potential and escape from poverty. Median weekly income almost doubles from $419 to $721 from students who don’t have a high school diploma to those with a 2 year college degree. This figure jumps to $1,039 for a 4 year degree or higher.
[Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics: Current Population Survey 2006]
Several obstacles to college were discussed including affordability, accessibility, and preparedness. More than 81% of students entering Baltimore City Community College have to take at least one noncredit remedial course. The Community College of Baltimore County is not much different with a figure of 75%. The main course where this deficiency is noted is math, followed by writing and reading. The Community School’s mastery approach to study especially applied in math continues to be successful in assuring that our students are not included in this number.
Another issue addressed was students being ill prepared for success because of lack of basic habits and knowing how to learn. This is a reason that our school stresses the 5 basic habits - showing up everyday, on time, prepared to work, with a positive attitude, and all of your homework. The presentations also reinforced our approach of building critical thinking skills, teaching students how to learn, as well as how to access information and gain skills independently.
Issues of affordability and accessibility remain important and Maryland ranks 11th in the country for the cost of going to community college with students having to pay nearly 25% of income to attend compared to 15% nationally.
The Community School is aware of these challenges and seeks to assure that our students are equipped to overcome them and build a better life.
Newsflash 6/18/08 Advisory Board member Carol Berman began the first of a summer of weekly sessions today. Carol is generously giving her time and talents as a certified speech pathologist to enhance the communication skills of two of our students. Thank you Carol!
Newsflash 6/18/08 The Community School has a record number of applicants for the fall term. First interviews have already begun for the few slots available. Several of the applicants have joined the summer math session in anticipation of attending the 08/09 term in September.
Newsflash 6/25/08 Brooke Hodges from the Bank of America Charitable Foundation came by the school today with a grant award to support our efforts. The award letter stated, “Providing support to organizations like The Community School Inc., which provide opportunity and improve the quality of life in our communities, is key to build capacities that truly make a difference.” Brooke and the Bank of America Charitable Foundation have been friends and supporters of The Community School and last fall gave Tom a Local Hero Award along with a contribution to the school. Thank you Brooke & BOA!
Newsflash 6/26/08 A breakfast meeting of the Development Committee has been set for Monday, July 28th at 8:30 A.M. The Board of Trustees will be meeting on Wednesday, July 2nd at 7:00.
