2010

Annual

Fund Campaign

THANK

YOU!!!

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

Click Here: HOW YOU CAN HELP

CONTRIBUTIONS

$63,501.15

as of 6/30/10

7/1/09-6/30/10

GOAL

$80,000

Newsflash 5/12/10 The school was visited today by school supporters Marsha and Gordon Becker.  The Becker’s are very involved in the creative and performing arts in Baltimore and shared their stories and work with the class. They observed a history class and then joined in a discussion with the students. It was an enjoyable visit and our thanks go to Writing Mentor Don Riesett for introducing us to the Becker’s and inviting them to the school.

Newsflash 5/9/10 For the 3rd year in a row, the students attended a performance of City at Peace in Washington D.C. City at Peace is a youth development organization that uses the performing arts to teach and promote cross-cultural understanding and non-violent conflict resolution. This year’s play was entitled “Right to Remain” with a unique focus on the concerns that affect young people with a message to confront and overcome the issues that hold back their lives. Before the performance began, The Community School was kindly recognized by managing director Tom Prewitt.  The students were able to talk with artistic director Sandra Holloway and the youth performers after the show.  This is always a highlight of our year and we look forward to working together next year with the possibility of sponsoring a performance in Baltimore. For more information on CITY AT PEACE CLICK HERE.

Newsflash 5/6/10 The students expressed appreciation and bid a farewell to our tutors from Johns Hopkins University as they finished up for the year.  Our thanks go to Byung Joon Park and Sarah Novotny for their years of service.  Byung Joon will be back again next year and we wish Sarah well as she continues her graduate studies in New York. We also are grateful to have new tutors Omotola Lawal and Yu Jin Choi this year. We appreciate Bill Tiefenworth, Gia Grier and the other folks at the JHU Center for Social Concern for making this possible. Best of luck to all of you and thank you for sharing your time and talent with our students.

Newsflash 5/5/10 The students celebrated Mexican heritage and pride with a Cinco de Mayo Lunch organized and provided by Sherry Welch and Fleesie Hubbard-Coursey on behalf of the Advisory Board.  The feast was shared with fellow Advisory Board members Mary Pat Clarke, Tony Culotta,  and Don Reisett.  In addition to the great food there was a discussion about the school year and plans for the future shared by each person as we went around the room. The day ended with a spirited breaking of the pinata in the courtyard.  A great time was had by all.  Thank you Fleesie and Sherry!

Newsflash 5/2/10 The school community gathered for the last Pot Luck Dinner of the school term tonight. It was a well attended event with students, families, volunteers and supporters enjoying a particularly plentiful spread of food.  There was discussion about the End of Year Ceremony and everyone enjoyed their time together.

Newsflash 5/19/10 The students were invited to participate in a program called Promoting Healthy Alternatives for Teens. Entering University of Maryland Shock Trauma, the students were greeted by David Ross and Femi Lawal. The program started off with a performance of poetry and lyrics by Femi and David who are part of a group called the 5th L in addition to staffing the PHAT program.  Through lyrical spoken word they touched the heart and helped the students reflect on the violence and tough choices they face in their lives and community. This was followed by a presentation by Dr. Carnell Cooper, a shock trauma surgeon for the last 15 years, a CNN Hero, and team leader for the PHAT program. Dr. Cooper showed slides of patients that he has served and told their stories, highlighting the flaw in their decision making that led them to Shock Trauma.  The students then took a tour of the facility that included the state of the art virtual training facility.  This part of the program exposed the students to advances in science and technology as well as health careers. It was a meaningful experience for everyone and was sure to leave a lasting impression. Special thanks to Advisory Board member Fleesie Hubbard-Coursey for arranging this tour.  for more information about the PHAT PROGRAM CLICK HERE or the 5th L GROUP CLICK HERE.

STUDENT UPDATE 5/10/11

TCS Graduate and current college student Ebony Love began work at the University of Maryland Hospital after graduating from the Health Care Careers Alliance Program.

Congratulations Ebony!

Newsflash 5/19/10 The Board of Trustees met this evening to discuss and review program plans for the coming year and to continue planning for the End of Year Ceremony.  The Trustees will meet again in mid-June to finalize the 2010/2011 Program Plan that will include new initiatives including our efforts to seek recognition for our students from the Baltimore City Public School System and  an expanded cultural appreciation component to the day program.

Newsflash 5/19/10 The students enjoyed an authentic Italian lunch at Amicci’s restaurant in Little Italy today.  This special end of year tradition was enjoyed by all

Dr. Cooper explaining how patients arrive to Shock Trauma on the helicopter deck atop University of Maryland Hospital.

Cinco de Mayo Celebration

May 5, 2010

The Three Amigos

University of Maryland Hospital Shock Trauma

May 19, 2010

May 9, 2010

Newsflash 5/16/10 Peggy Lashbrook spoke today before the congregation of St. Andrew’s Christian Community sharing stories about the students and school. The congregation has been consistent and long term supporters of the school since we were first introduced by member Geoff Arrowsmith.  After her presentation, Peggy was presented with a check for $1,000 from Jonnie Barroll the Outreach Committee Chairperson to continue to support the work of the school.  Thank you to Reverend Ernest Smart and the Congregation for your ongoing support.

Congratulations to Sarah Novotny for winning the Professor Joel Dean Award for Excellence in the teaching of Mathematics in recognition of her valuable contribution to undergraduate teaching in the Department of Mathematics by a Johns Hopkins University graduate student, Sarah has been a volunteer tutor at our school for 2 years.

May 5, 2010

Newsflash 5/24/10 The students’ “adopted grandparents” visited the school today bringing a delicious lunch of fried chicken, baked pasta, apple sauce, and ice cream. These women and men from the United Methodist Women of Good Shepherd Church have visited the students once a month for the last two years.  They always  bring words of encouragement and acts of kindness - a meal, Christmas stocking, or a treat. Last year the group raised money for the Canada field trip and established a scholarship fund to help our college students. Once again this year they have added to this fund to enable a student go to college in the fall. Our special thanks to Shirley and Charlie Stran, William and Jean Harris, Jeanne Mulligan, and Sandy Carnes and all of the kind people at Good Shepherd.

Newsflash 5/26/10 It was a high energy day on the Potts & Callahan lot next to Greenmount School today. This was the field day for their students with a series of races, relays, and physical challenges designed by gym teacher Kelly Subotich.  Kelly, who also works twice a week with students from our school, suggested that our students staff the day for the younger students as a volunteer community service project.  The ten activity stations were all staffed by our students who had a terrific time. We appreciate Kelly for giving us this opportunity.

Greenmount

Field Day

May 26, 2010

right: Gym teacher Kelly Subotich explaining the relay station to students Evan and Sara.

Newsflash 5/26/10 It was a high energy day on the Potts & Callahan lot next to Greenmount School today. This was the field day for their students with a series of races, relays, and physical challenges designed by gym teacher Kelly Subotich.  Kelly, who also works twice a week with students from our school, suggested that our students staff the day for the younger students as a volunteer community service project.  The ten activity stations were all staffed by our students who had a terrific time. We appreciate Kelly for giving us this opportunity.

STUDENT UPDATE 6/1/10

Congratulations to the 4 pioneering students from the class of 2010 who were enrolled in our program full time and also enrolled at Baltimore City Community College.  Each one received a 4.0 for the 2 credit computer course that they took at BCCC.  We are proud of you Freddy Chilcote, Evan Green, Amanda McCarty and Anthony Mulcahy!

Newsflash 6/2/10 The students established a new tradition this year with the 1st Annual Homecoming Cookout. This event will be held each year on the last Wednesday of the school term to bring back alumni to the school. Members of last year’s class were invited along with volunteers and Board members. In future years we hope it will be an event where all alumni and supporters come back to see each other, meet the current class, and catch up with each other. The students cooked hot dogs and burgers on the grill (including some veggie burgers), and had a selection of salads, deserts and even some fried chicken.

Newsflash 6/2/10 The last Sponsor Meeting of the school year was held tonight. After receiving a report on activities since the last meeting, the sponsors conducted both a group oral evaluation and an individual written evaluation of the school term. These evaluations become a very important part of the design of next year’s term and influence changes in the school program. All of the students were represented by at least one of their sponsors.  The group was thanked for being such an active part of the school and for their personal support of the students.

Newsflash 6/6/10 The 29th class of The Community School was honored at the End of Year Ceremony held at The Glass Pavilion of Johns Hopkins University this afternoon.  The room was packed with students, sponsors,  family members and supporters. The event was begun with a welcome by teacher Tom Culotta and followed by remarks from Dave Bayer, Chair of the Board of Trustees; Sherry Welch, Chairperson of the Advisory Board; and Jeanette Norris, representing the Sponsors. This year’s Keynote Speaker, Don Riesett, shared his thoughts and experiences and everyone was moved by his poignant and personal speech. Don urged the students to “Take this experience with you.  Take the hard work, the honor code, the five keys - and apply them...wherever you go, whatever you do.” A new feature of the ceremony this year was that the Class of 2009/2010 took time in the middle of the program to express appreciation to all of those who helped them and the school in the past year. The tributes were both moving and personal. Alumni Erin Foltz, Ebony Love, Kristophor Watt, and Samantha Sloat were all awarded diplomas from The Community School in recognition of their achievements of earning Maryland High School Diplomas since the last ceremony.  Class of 2005 Graduate Justin Switzer was recognized for completing all the coursework for his teacher’s certification and his entering the Masters Program in Library Science at the University of Maryland this fall. Samantha Sloat was this year’s recipient of the Beacon Award in recognition of an alumni who shines the light for those that follow.  Sam just completed her first year of college with high honors. The Valedictory Speech was shared by Honor Students Brianna Patrick and Kimberly Smith, each of whom offered her unique perspective on the year. Larry Kearns, Sara Ciulla, Evan Green, Anthony Mulcahy, and Freddy Chilcote were honored as graduates this year.  Honored for their work this term were returning students C.J. Sosa, Amanda McCarty, Matthew Wendler. Tevin Thomas, Kimberly Smith and Brianna Patrick. The program was followed by a reception where good food, stories, and fellowship was shared by all. It was a fitting celebration to a great year. Congratulations to all of the students and thank you to all of those who helped make this year such a success.

Newsflash 6/7/10 For the 4th year in a row the students  celebrated the year at the “The Beach House.” This tradition was started with an invitation by the late Gordy Loetz and his family and has been continued by his wife Debbie. Sons, Carter and Chase Loetz, were on hand to assure the students had a great time boating, tubing, playing volleyball and swimming. This has been a great way for the students to unwind on the day after the End of Year Ceremony and a fun send off to everyone for the summer.  Thank you to Debbie and the family and also to Diane Neighoff for always helping with the arrangements.

Newsflash 6/8/10 The school community is saddened to announce the untimely passing of sponsor and supporter Jasmine Brisson.  Jasmine died in a car accident this morning. She is seen in this picture preparing sandwiches for the End of Year Ceremony.  Jasmine was Brianna’s Sponsor and a wonderful person.  She will be missed.

L to R: Lisa Gavin, Jasmine Brisson, Carol Berman & Barbara Foltz.

The

Loetz

Beach

House

on the

Severn

River

End of Year Ceremony

June 6, 2010

Newsflash 6/22/10 You may have seen some of the nearly 90 young people energetically engaged in community service projects throughout the neighborhood and area over the last few days.  They are hosted by our good friends at Good Shepherd United Methodist Church for the week.  The group is from North Carolina and led by the mother of mission and school volunteer Greg Little.  After a long day of service, the young people invited Tom Culotta and graduate Sara Ciulla to share dinner and speak to the group about the community and the school.  There were many questions and a lively give and take session went on into the night.  We were honored to be with these dedicated volunteers and thankful for the opportunity to meet with them.

Newsflash 7/5/10 Student Evan Green arrived in Greece today as part of the People to People Ambassadors Program. He will spend nearly 3 weeks traveling through Greece and Italy learning about the local cultures and working in community service projects. We applaud Evan for his persistence in making this trip a reality and wish him well on his travels.

Newsflash 6/22/10 The school is operating on summer schedule with the office open only on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.  Summer activities include: interviews for new students and sponsors, individual tutoring sessions for residents of all ages, education testing and counseling sessions, and preparations for the new term in September.

Newsflash 7/5/10 We are excited to announce the pledged financial support from several key backers as we go into the new term.  Supporting us for a second time are the Commonweal Foundation and the Zanvyl and Isabelle Krieger Fund.  New supporters include the Women’s Giving Circle of the Baltimore Community Foundation and the John J. Leidy Foundation.  This support, in addition to our loyal donors, gives us the ability to both provide stability for the program and an opportunity to continually grow in quality and reach.  These early pledges are a great start to raising the money necessary to continue to provide a high quality education and an opportunity for success to our hardworking students.