Tracy Press: Exec. Dir. Powerful Beyond Measure

Call for More Volunteers: 2012 DC We the People Finals

Next week on February 21 and 22, the Center for the Constitution at James Madison's Montpelier will host the We the People DC High School and Middle School Citywide Finals at Georgetown Law School. We are writing to ask for your assistance at one or both of these events. We still need a few more volunteers to help these exceptional students. Can you help?
Click here, to VOLUNTEERhttp://montpelier.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b69a409a9782a3e95a1e1cb66&id=032faf1579&e=4cf0e3c138

The Center for the Constitution at James Madison's Montpelier will host these competitions, which serve its mission by engaging students on their knowledge and understanding of the history and principles of our Constitution and Bill of Rights. As the DC We the People Coordinators, we would be honored if you would invest your time as a volunteer for DC's incredible students.

As you may recall, the We the People competition takes the format of a simulated congressional hearing, which involves middle and high school classes presenting testimony and answering questions about historical, political, and constitutional issues before a panel of three judges acting as a congressional committee. To make the competitions a success, we need judges, timers, and facilitators for the two citywide finals competitions.

About the Citywide Finals on February 21-22, 2012: The Center for the Constitution would like to thank Richard Roe of Georgetown Law for his support. Both State Finals will take place in classrooms at Georgetown Law. The Center will cover breakfast and lunch for the volunteers on each day of the competition. Volunteer trainings will take place on each morning of the event.
Citywide Finals Dates:

Tuesday, February 21: 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
DC We the People High School Citywide Finals
Georgetown Law School
Wednesday, February 22: 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
DC We the People Middle School Citywide Finals
Georgetown Law School

To respond to this invitation, please complete the online form using the links in this email by February 18, 2012. Once we receive your confirmation, we will provide you with directions and logistics, the We the People textbook (if requested), and materials further illustrating the volunteer job descriptions. If you have any questions, please contact Kelly at 540-672-2728 ext 202, or kcbooz@montpelier.org, or Jen at 540-672-2728 ext 205, or jhowell@montpelier.org.

Job Announcement - Business Manager, CuDC
Cultural Development Corporation(CuDC), a non-profit organization dedicated to making space for art, is seeking a Business Manager. This full-time position provides reliable and accurate record-keeping in all matters affecting the financial position of Cultural Development Corporation. The Business Manager will manage human resources, risk management and bookkeeping functions.

Responsibilities

Manage human resources functions, including payroll and benefits; Maintain accuracy and compliance with Employee Handbook; Maintain personnel files; Manage bookkeeping functions, including: (Performing accounting system entry and maintenance; Managing accounts receivable and accounts payable; Monitoring account balances and reconcile bank accounts; Preparing and reviewing financial statements); Coordinate preparation of annual budget; Oversee external auditors throughout the audit process and preparation of tax forms; General administrative support, as needed.

Qualifications: 3–5 years of relevant experience, including nonprofit accounting • Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Arts Administration or related field • CPA and Quickbooks Certified Pro-Advisor desirable • Exceptional organizational and time management skills • Excellent communication, analytical and mathematical skills • Experience with QuickBooks Pro, Raiser's Edge and Microsoft Office preferred • Ability and willingness to work flexibly in a growing non-profit environment
Salary: $45,000 plus benefits
To apply, submit a résumé with cover letter to:
Cultural Development Corporation
Attn: Business Manager Search
916 G Street NW - Washington, DC 20001
hr@culturaldc.org
Fax: 202.315.1303
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. http://www.culturaldc.org/involved/employment.html#BM


Summer Employment and Internships at The Theatre Lab 1
EMPLOYMENT: Summer Technical Director - The Theatre Lab, Washington's largest theatre school, seeks part-time Technical Director for summer teen productions of Parade, Urinetown, and Off a Broken Road. Work with professional lighting designer and supervise a team of tech interns in 150-seat theatre space. June 18-Aug 11. Approx 30 hrs/week (mostly daytime M-F; flexible schedule). Experience in scenic carpentry and painting desired. Access to a personal vehicle preferred but not required. $3000 stipend.

To apply for the TD position, email resume and brief cover letter to Jeff Scott, jeff@theatrelab.org

INTERNSHIP: Technical Theatre - Work under the supervision of the summer technical director and gain valuable experience building sets, painting, and assisting with lighting, sound, and/or costumes. June 18-August 11 (mostly daytime M-F; flexible schedule). Small stipend available.

INTERNSHIP: Theatre Education - Work in our award-winning Summer Acting Camp for Kids with children ages 6-12. Camp runs in 2 week sessions M-F from June 18-August 24 (possible to only work a session or two). Small stipend available.

To apply for the Technical Theatre or Theatre Education internships, email Amal, amal@theatrelab.org for an application form.


3rd Annual Jack and Jill Montgomery County Maryland Chapter Spelling Bee, Oratorical Competition and Poetry Competition
Registration is still open for the 3rd Annual Jack and Jill Montgomery County Maryland Chapter Spelling Bee, Oratorical Competition and Poetry Competition event. The event is open to Montgomery County residents, only, in grades 1 through 12. The Competition will be held on Saturday, February 25, 1 p.m. to 5 pm, The Georgetown Preparatory School, The Figge Theatre, 10900 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda, MD 20852.
Registration forms can be downloaded at http://www.jackandjill-mcmc.org/spellingbee. Email questions to JJMCMCBee@gmail.com.

The 2012 Interactive Board of Education Candidate Forums

The 2012
Interactive Board of Education Candidate Forums

Special Incumbent Forum
Candidates:
Edward Burroughs : District 8 (Invited)
Patricia Eubanks: District 4 (Invited)
Henry Armwood: District 7 (Invited)
Verjeana Jacobs: District 5 (Invited)

Date: March 11, 2012
Time: 8pm-9:10pm
Location: Parent Talk Live
Call in Number: (914) 803-4591
Listen Live: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/educationaljournal/2012/03/04/parent-talk-live-the-pgcps-boe-candidate-forum-five
Participate/Submit Questions via Tweeter: http://twitter.com/DrMikeRobinson
Participate/Submit Questions via Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DrMikeRobinson


Forum One

Candidates:
David Murray: District 1 (Confirmed)
Dennis Smith: District 4 (Confirmed)
Orlando Bego: District 8 (Confirmed)

Date: February 15, 2012
Time: 8pm-9:10pm
Location: Parent Talk Live
Call in Number: (914) 803-4591
Listen Live: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/educationaljournal/2012/02/16/parent-talk-live-the-pgcps-boe-candidate-forum-one
Participate/Submit Questions via Tweeter: http://twitter.com/DrMikeRobinson
Participate/Submit Questions via Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DrMikeRobinson


Forum Two
Candidates:
Mike McLaughlin: District 1 (Confirmed)
Joseph Kitchen: District 4 (Invited)
Raaheela Ahmed: District 5 (Confirmed)

Date: February 22, 2012
Time: 8pm-9:10pm
Location: Parent Talk Live
Call in Number: (914) 803-4591
Listen Live: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/educationaljournal/2012/02/23/parent-talk-live-the-pgcps-boe-candidate-forum-two
Participate/Submit Questions via Tweeter: http://twitter.com/DrMikeRobinson
Participate/Submit Questions via Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DrMikeRobinson


Forum Three
Candidates:
Carlette Fellows: District 7 (Confirmed)
Andre` Nothingham: District 8 (Confirmed)
Sherine Taylor: District 5 (Confirmed)

Date: February 26, 2012
Time: 8pm-9:10pm
Location: Parent Talk Live
Call in Number: (914) 803-4591
Listen Live: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/educationaljournal/2012/02/26/parent-talk-live-the-pgcps-boe-candidate-forum-three
Participate/Submit Questions via Tweeter: http://twitter.com/DrMikeRobinson
Participate/Submit Questions via Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DrMikeRobinson



Forum Four

Candidates:
Lydia Walker-Thompson: District 7 (Invited)
Deidre Jackson: District 5 (Invited)
Sandy Vaughns: District 4 (Confirmed)

Date: February 29, 2012
Time: 8pm-9:10pm
Location: Parent Talk Live
Call in Number: (914) 803-4591
Listen Live: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/educationaljournal/2012/02/29/parent-talk-live-the-pgcps-boe-candidate-forum-four
Participate/Submit Questions via Tweeter: http://twitter.com/DrMikeRobinson
Participate/Submit Questions via Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DrMikeRobinson


Forum Five
Candidates:
Micah Watson: District 4 (Confirmed)
John E. Richardson: District 7 (Invited)
Sharon Lewis: District 5 (Confirmed)

Date: March 4, 2012
Time: 8pm-9:10pm
Location: Parent Talk Live
Call in Number: (914) 803-4591
Listen Live: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/educationaljournal/2012/03/04/parent-talk-live-the-pgcps-boe-candidate-forum-five
Participate/Submit Questions via Tweeter: http://twitter.com/DrMikeRobinson
Participate/Submit Questions via Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DrMikeRobinson

Kimberly K. Parker: Five Tips To Help Your Child Succeed

Like you, I strive very hard to ensure my children are given the tools to succeed not only academically but in life. I do not compromise on my expectations because I know they are capable of producing great work. This greatness is not merely defined by a high score, but more importantly the effort put forth to make the grade. Far be it from me to place the responsibility solely on them for I have a crucial role to play as well: I must be their most available and accessible advocate!

Working full time outside of the home while effectively managing the affairs of my home, taking care of my family, building a small publishing company, and actively engaging in community service does not excuse me from being involved in my children’s academics. In fact, it’s imperative that I make it a priority! Here are five ways I’ve learned to do just that:

1. Lead by example. “Do as I say and not as I do” is so passé! If you are teaching your children to prepare for the next school day the night before, you should not find yourself hopping out the door with one shoe on and applying make-up while driving down the street. It’s really hypocritical.

2. Be consistent. Children crave routine. In fact, it helps them to begin developing their own set of priorities and management skills. Of course there will be a caveat…or two…on occasion, but a change in plans every day? No!

3. Stay informed. It is a real waste of energy to berate your child for the failing grade they earned when all you had to do was stay in the know. No one expects you to be at the school as if you work there, but you can make an appointment to review their cumulative folder, meet with the teacher, and sit in on a class. At the very least, send an email at least twice a week and plug into SchoolMax daily on the PGCPS.org “Parent” link to keep up with assignments, grades, and disciplinary action.

4. Teach autonomy. In short, cut the apron strings. Instead of waking them up every morning, teach them how to use an alarm clock. Trust me: they don’t need you as much as you think they do.

5. Make time for fun. All work and no play makes for a stressed overachiever. Monopoly^®, Uno^®, and good ol’ “Hide-and-Go-Seek” are proven stress busters!

Kimberly K. Parker is the President and CEO of Writing Momma Publishing, LLC (www.writingmomma.com). To date, she has written three books and has helped nine children between the ages of nine and nineteen write and publish books of their own. Leave a comment about this blog below and visit Kimberly’s website at www.writingmomma.com. Once there, sign up to receive her monthly newsletter. In return, Kimberly will give you a collection of her inspirational postcards “Keep It Moving with Kimberly!” while supplies last. Kimberly is a professional writer, author, publisher, and blogger living in Maryland with her husband and three children.

Parent Talk Live: The PGCPS BOE Candidate Forum One

Dr. Mike Robinson, president of Parents and PGCPS and host of Parent Talk Live will facilitate a series of on air candidate forums with as many of the new candidates for the Prince George’s County Public Schools Board of Education as possible over the next several weeks.

Dr. Robinson will not focus on incumbent BOE members as their views and opinions are well chronicled in their community engagement activities and their votes on key items during board meetings over the past year and a half can be heard on webcast of past BOE meetings.

David Murray: District 1

Orlando Bego: District 8

Click to Here to Hear the Discussion

Nakia T. Ngwala: Community Advocate

Good morning Neighbors,

Please see the attached fliers of some legislative nights that will be occurring in Annapolis during the second week of March 2012.

· Monday, March 5, 2012 – Maryland Legislative District 24’s Night in Annapolis, Miller Senate Office Building, Senate West, Annapolis, MD 21401, 6 PM – 8 PM

· Wednesday, March 7, 2012 – Prince George’s County Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and Men Aiming Higher Legislative Night, Maryland House of Delegates, Lowe House Office Building, Room 180, 6 Bladen Street, Annapolis, MD 21401, 6 PM - 9 PM

Thank you and please share.

Nakia T. Ngwala

Community Advocate

Prince George's County, Maryland

Tel: (240) 398-0505

Email: nakia.ngwala@nakiangwala.org

Web: www.nakiangwala.org

Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Nakia-T-Ngwala/217883952467

Parent Talk Live: The Advocacy of Education

Parent Talk Live, hosted by Dr. Mike Robinson discussed the need and importance to improve schools in Prince George’s County and across Maryland with Mr. Curtis Valentine, the founding executive director of MarylandCAN:

The MarylandCAN Campaign for Achievement Now, a new advocacy organization building a movement of Marylanders with the political will to enact smart public policies so that every Maryland child has access to a great public school.

To hear this informative discussion on how MarylandCAN is seeking to change the face of education through community advocacy and a comprehensive legislative agenda, click the below.

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/educationaljournal/2012/02/15/parent-talk-live-marylandcan

Suspend as a last resort

Thousands of children too young to understand right from wrong are being suspended from school.

A Washington Post analysis of data for the region's school system found that last school year more than 6,112 elementary students, from prekindergarten through grade five, were suspended or expelled for hitting, disrupting, disrespecting, fighting and other offenses. That includes 50 prekindergarteners, 433 kindergartners and 677 first-graders.

In the most recent data from the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights, more than 3 million students are suspended at least once a year and more than 100,000 are expelled. In Chicago, out-of-school suspensions quadrupled to 93,212 between 2001 and 2007. In Pennsylvania, school-based arrests almost tripled between 1999 and 2006, to 12,918.

The reason for so much lost class time is strict disciplinary measures that began in the 1990s. They became stricter after April 20, 1999, when Dylan Klebold and Eric Harris walked into Columbine High School and killed 12 students and a teacher. School shootings have created an era of zero-tolerance policies in many schools.

But researchers question whether children in the early grades should ever be suspended. The goal should be teaching appropriate behavior. Still educators see suspension as necessary to remove students who cause a disruption in class and to send a strong message about conduct.

Prekindergarteners and those in early elementary classes don't understand suspension. Schools are sending home children who are struggling with social-emotional skills. They lose instruction time and fall behind in classes. No research indicates that suspensions improve a child's behavior or make schools safer.

The Maryland State Board of Education is considering proposals to end suspensions for nonviolent offenses and federal officials have started considering reforming guidelines.

Educators must carefully consider each case and look to other options — involving parents and counselors — before suspension. It should never be done lightly. But if teachers and principals have tried everything they can, and it is serious behavior, then they must be able to suspend children. We must support their efforts to keep violence out of schools.

Copyright © 2012, Daily American

Poll: Are Kindergartener Suspensions Helpful or Hurtful?

By Jenni Pompi

Dozens of the area's littlest learners were sent home from school early or outright suspended for misbehavior last year, reported The Washington Post.

According to The Washington Post, more than 2,000 students were suspended from Prince George's County public elementary schools, including 94 children enrolled in kindergarten or pre-kindergarten.

A. Duane Arbogast, chief academic officer for Prince George's County schools, said that the 94 students represent about 1 percent of the students enrolled, and that he does not find such a small number surprising.

Some parents and critics question the effectiveness of suspending children at such a young age, with studies showing that the suspensions do not improve behavior. Such behavior can actually be a sign of academic gaps, Sara Rimm-Kaufman, associate professor of education at University of Virginia, told the Post.

Still others feel that a disruptive or aggressive child should be removed from the classroom no matter his or her age, particularly when there is physical violence involved and teachers and administrators feel they have explored every other option.

The Maryland State Board of Education is currently considering proposals to eliminate suspensions for non-violent behaviors. Arbogast said that suspensions are only one of the tools used by local educators and that they should be issued strategically.

Read the full article on the Washington Post and tell us in the comments what you think about local elementary schools suspending pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students.

Mrs. Kimberly K. Parker, discusses NOTE TO SELF: GIVE MORE

NOTE TO SELF: GIVE MORE

For nearly 27 years I’ve consistently kept a journal. At times my only confidant in the wee hours of the morning, the empty pages struggle to capture dislodged thoughts. There are neither limits nor boundaries to restrict my scribbling of elation, pity, or “What in the world am I going to cook for dinner tonight?” In the end, room is made for clarity sake; I feel lighter and capable of taking on the day.

I find great solace in journaling in my closet…literally. I just can’t wait to sit on the pillow located behind the door and extend my legs over my shoes and sneakers. Now and again, I’ll begin by revisiting what I’ve written in the past. Page after page reports how I’ve grown or where I’m stagnant. Both my accomplishments and dreams deferred serves as a guide for next steps and inspire me to always seek change from within.

I have noticed a common thread laced throughout my scribbling of late. My note to self is simply to give more. Far be it from me to mislead you into thinking I am rolling in material possessions and that my bank accounts can support such a charge. On the contrary, in the past three years my family has experienced employment terminations, an up-side-down mortgage, college tuition, and the insatiable palates of three growing children. In spite of that, my desire to give more greets me every waking morning.

Giving has been germane to my existence for as long as I can remember. Some think I exercise this principle to a fault. Others ask the question, “Well, what have they done for you lately?” But, I’m not dismayed. There is great satisfaction in blessing others and knowing that small acts of kindness enhances lives. In fact, I’m just paying it forward because both strangers and relatives alike consistently give to me and my family.

Excitedly I anticipate the opportunities to give more in unlimited fashion! Whether it’s doing hair for my girlfriend who has four daughters, teaching children how to write effectively, blogging more for this great parental engagement network, or springing a new recipe on my family, there’s no stopping me. I will take heed to my note to self. I will give more.

Kimberly K. Parker is the President and CEO of Writing Momma Publishing, LLC (www.writingmomma.com). To date, she has written three books and has helped nine children between the ages of nine and nineteen write and publish books of their own. Leave a comment about this blog below and visit Kimberly’s website at www.writingmomma.com. Once there, sign up to receive her monthly newsletter. In return, Kimberly will give you a collection of her inspirational postcards “Keep It Moving with Kimberly!” while supplies last. Kimberly is a professional writer, author, publisher, and blogger living in Maryland with her husband and three children.

Overview and 3A Framework; Organizing for Effective Parent Engagement

Boost Student Performance with Literacy Programs Buck Lodge Middle School (BLMS) has the largest Hispanic students in Prince Georges County Public Schools in Maryland. This translates to the highest concentration of second language learners. After reviewing scores on the Maryland State Assessments, the school decided to focus on increasing student’s reading scores. In partnership with the Mid-Atlantic Equity Consortium, Inc. and the Tellin’ Stories Project of Teaching for Change the school staff reached out to families and involved them in literacy activities, 25 Book Reading Challenge, and school events to help enforce the importance of literacy both at home and school. The results were:

Over 300 students met the 25 Book Challenge
50 students read over 50 books
Overall student reading scores went up by 7.7%
Hispanic student scores increased by 12.1%
LEP scores increased by 19.3%

Special Education student scores went up by 11.2% in 2009 from the previous year

The act of engaging families in this school-wide effort led parents to feel empowered and increased their ability to monitor and support learning at home. This engagement did not only pertain to an increase in reading outcomes, but also an increase in family participation at school events, decision-making, advocacy and volunteerism.

For more information email Susan Shaffer, President of Mid-Atlantic Equity Consortium, Inc. at mailto:sshaffer@maec.org or visit http://www.americaspromise.org/Resources/ParentEngagement/Community-Examples.aspx