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 3/1/09 The first Community Pot Luck Dinner of the new year was held this evening.  The school was absolutely overflowing with students, families, sponsors, volunteers, and supporters. Some of the best cooking to be found in Baltimore was found as folks brought their favorite dishes to share. The students brought back a community favorite with their own version of the Jeopardy game.  The room divided into two competing groups as each answered questions that highlight what the students have learned in the last trimester.  The teams were lead by students Jarrad Gladden and Sara Ciulla. Everyone had a great time and looks forward to the next dinner on May 3rd.

Pot Luck Dinner March 1st

Author Philipp Meyer talks with students about his life and writing.

Newsflash 3/9/09 Author Philipp Meyer took time from his busy book tour to stop by the school today and talk with the students. Philipp and the students explored much that they had in common.  He grew up in Hampden just blocks from the school, attending the same schools as many of the students, and left city schools before receiving his high school diploma. His journey took many twists and turns including a stint at the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center, degree program at Cornell University, and time as a successful trader at the Stock Exchange. The students were as eager to learn about how he approached his writing and his experiences in having a book published as they were to learn about his life in the community. Philipp’s widely acclaimed novel American Rust was published just weeks ago and is already being translated in languages around the world.  The students will read excerpts from the book and plans are underway for Philipp to visit the school again later in the spring for a discussion about the book. We deeply appreciate the interest that this “hometown boy” and rising international literary figure took in sharing time with the students. To read more about Phillip and his book, click here and click here.

Ebony & Samantha

explore next steps in their education at CCBC College Fair.

Jarrad, Evan, Desmond, Kris, Lindsay and Dolly  listen to rep from Bowie University

Newsflash 3/9/09 The students attended a College Fair held at the Community College of Baltimore County this evening.  Hundreds of colleges and universities were on hand from as far away as Hawaii though most were from up and down the East Coast. It was a chance for the students to talk with representatives from many institutions of higher learning as they map out their future studies.

Author Philipp Meyer visits school.

Newsflash 3/11/09 “It was the most amazing thing I have ever seen,” exclaimed Larry Kearns as he and the other students left the performance of Kooza last night.   It was a wonderful time under the big top tent as twenty-five students and school volunteers were the invited guests of the Cirque du Soleil to watch the show of their lives. The most astounding acrobatic performances and clown performances were woven around a magical story of a boy’s journey through the world. Our deepest thanks to Cirque du Soleil for giving us a night we will always remember.

Newsflash 3/18/09  A spirited, well-attended Sponsor Meeting was held tonight at the school.  Following an update by Tom Culotta on activities and changes at the school, the students presented plans for the upcoming Canada and Niagara Falls Field Trip. The Sponsors pledged their support for the students efforts to raise funds through candy bar sales, a Joe Corbi Pizza and baked product sale, and efforts to solicit contributions. Report cards for the 2nd Trimester were distributed as well as certificates.  Kevin James and Samantha Sloat were presented certificates for being on the Honor Roll. Samantha Sloat also received a certificate for completing 100% of her homework assignments in the 2nd Trimester. That is over 500 assignments! Receiving certificates for Perfect Attendance were Erin Foltz, Evan Green, Kevin James, Amanda McCarty, and Samantha Sloat. One Hundred Percent Attendance Certificates were presented to Jarrad Gladden and Larry Kearns. After the report cards and 3rd trimester progress reports were distributed, sponsors and students met individually to discuss the data. The meeting was brought to a rousing close by Desmond’s brother Da-Da who performed a song that he wrote himself about math and learning. The fifth and last sponsor meeting of the term will be held on Wednesday, May 27th.

Students and Sponsors discussing Report Cards at Sponsor Meeting

Newsflash 3/19/09 The students were treated to another tasty lunch by the wonderful United Methodist Women of Good Shepherd United Methodist Church in Hampden.  The plates were overflowing with the homemade spaghetti dinner and there was so much that the students will enjoy it into next week.  This group of generous and dedicated individuals have performed an act of kindness for the students every month in this school term.  Thank you so much!

Newsflash 3/16/09 The students were enthralled by a presentation from Martin Ndegwa about his native Kenya.  Martin, who is a volunteer intern at the school, is a native of Nairobi Kenya.  He brought items from his homeland to illustrate his talk about the history and current issues of his country.  Martin helps staff Independent Study two afternoons a week and has been a part of the students current geography class that has been focusing on Africa.

Martin Ndegwa showing the flag of his native Kenya  to students.

Newsflash 3/17/09 St. Patrick’s Day was celebrated with an authentic Irish meal of corn beef and cabbage prepared by Advisory Board member and volunteer staff person Peggy Lashbrook.  Peggy included her famous fresh baked Irish soda bread and a fine meal was enjoyed by all.  Thanks Peggy!

Sponsor Meeting

March 18, 2009

Daquan “Da-Da” Jones performing his own song at the meeting.

Martin Ndegwa shares items from Kenya with the class.

Newsflash 3/26/09 The students were given the opportunity to learn firsthand about Ethiopia from guest lecturer Yeshitila Araya today. Mr. Araya was born and raised in Ethiopia and has been involved in the issues of his country and the movement for national liberation and democracy in Africa his whole life.  He shared his analysis as well as his personal story as part of the students’ study of Africa.

Newsflash 3/26/09 Tania Araya and Lauri Richman from the Teen Initiative of the House of Ruth conducted the first of a two part workshop today on relationships. The focus of the presentation was to explore the destructive nature of power and control in relationships contrasted with equality and sharing.  The students examined their attitudes in a lively discussion and through a variety of scenarios. Everyone is eagerly looking forward to Tania and Lauri’s return next week. We appreciate the effort of Don and Sande Riesett for helping to arrange this workshop.

Student Amanda McCarty with Lauri Richman (left) and Tania Araya (right)

Guest Lecturer Yeshitila Araya

March 26, 2009

House of Ruth Workshop

March 26, 2009

Newsflash 3/27/09 There were loads of homemade baked goods to be had at the student Bake Sale held today at Superfresh on 41st Street. Virtually the whole class participated in the sale and raised over $300 toward their Canada Field Trip.  Many of the shoppers took the time to encourage the students and even some who didn’t buy goods gave donations. This student run event was both fun and successful and gave the students a chance to build support for the school as well as get them a little closer to making the Canada trip a reality.  Thank you to Superfresh and to all who supported this fundraiser!

Bake Sale   March 27, 2009

We are saddened to bring the news of the untimely passing of Gordy Loetz, a friend of The Community School.  Our End of Year outings at Gordy's Beach House on the Severn River have become legendary. Gordy, Debbie, and their children opened up their home and their hearts to our students providing them an opportunity none will ever forget.  Like the boat he piloted, Gordy leaves a legacy of love in his wake and will be deeply missed. Our condolences go out to his wife Debbie and sons: Carter, Chris, and Chase.