Press Conference at Burroughs Elementary Today

I saw some folks setting up the equipment on the front lawn as my bus drove past a little before 9 a.m.....NBC4 has the (misspelled) details on the "small group of parents who passed out fliers and held a press conference" this morning:

Some parents are frustrated with D.C. School Chancellor Michelle Rhee's plan for John Burrows [sic] Elementary in Northeast.

Parents said Rhee's plan to change the school to a pre-K through eighth grade school is too ambitious. The school currently has students in Head Start through sixth grade.

"In less than five months, we're supposed to implement a pre-K through eight plan beginning with extending to accommodate seventh graders," said parent activist Maria Jones.

The plan is to change it to a pre-K through seventh school next year, and add eighth grade within two years. The school was slated for closure but will be kept open.

School Closing Hearings and Links

By now you likely know about the consolidated school closure hearings on Thursday, January 17 [pdf], and "The People's Meeting" co-sponsored by Councilmembers Thomas and Barry. Whichever you choose, if you are able to make it to one of the meetings on Thursday, you will be making an impact.

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Ward 5 schools to be closed (in parentheses) and their meeting locations:

· Taft Recreation Center (Burroughs ES), 1800 Perry Street NE

· Brookland ES (Bunker Hill ES), 1150 Michigan Avenue NE

· LaSalle ES (Backus MS), 501 Riggs Road NE

· Eastern SHS (M.M. Washington SHS), 1700 East Capitol Street NE

· Kelly Miller MS (Douglass and Taft CHOICE Academies and Centers), 301 49th Street NE

· Emery ES (J.F. Cook ES), 1720 1st Street NE

· Noyes ES (Slowe ES), 2725 10th Street NE

· Cleveland ES (Gage-Eckington ES), 1825 8th Street NW (Gage-Eckington is in Ward 1, just outside Ward 5)

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Some links relevant to Ward 5 and DCPS:

» Save John Burroughs DC - Friends of John Burroughs Elementary

John Burroughs proudly ranks 15 out of all 81 DC Public Schools in Reading and 12 out of 81 in Math. Our enrollment is 244 and rising - we are only 7% away from full enrollment!!!....Save this model school from closure.

» "School closings plan draws opposition" - Examiner, Wednesday, January 15

“What [Burroughs Elementary School] has accomplished is incredible given the few resources it has,” said Gary Spinner, whose granddaughter is in second grade. “We were in the process to petition the mayor and chancellor for more support; in turn, we found out we would be closed.”

Spinner and other Burroughs representatives touted the fact that the school is ranked 15th out of 81 citywide in reading and that its standardized test scores last year rose by double digits. Enrollment also has been going up, they said, making it the wrong time for closure.

Chancellor Michelle Rhee has explained that the 23 schools suggested for closure were chosen mainly for building occupancy, rather than test scores or overall program quality. That numbers-driven approach was challenged Monday.

» "One DC Public School Has Fewer Than 100 Students" - WUSA9, Monday, January 14

When Principal Pat Mabry came to Slowe Elementary, the neighborhood school at 14th and Jackson Streets in Northeast had 619 students. Today, Slowe's student enrollment has plummeted to only 84 students.

There are only five classes held in the entire building for DC public school students.

DC School Chancellor Michelle Rhee pointed 9NEWS NOW to Slowe Elementary as example of why up to 23 school buildings have been put on a proposed list for closing.

This has nothing to do with academic performance. It has everything to do with what the city is paying for unused space; staffing, utility and maintenance costs.

Principal Mabry isn't fighting the closing; but she and her parents don't like the plan to send Slowe students to a nearby school where students have been beefing with Slowe's young people.

» "Fixing D.C.'s Schools" - Washington Post investigative series, multiple parts posted since June 2007

Mayor's Public Meetings on School Closing Plan - Wards 4 & 5

- December 11, 2007, 7:30-9:30 p.m., Noyes Elementary School, 2725 10th Street NE

- December 18, 2007, 6-8 p.m., Barnard Elementary School, 430 Decatur Street NW

- January 10, 2008, 6-8 p.m., Emory Elementary School, 1720 1st Street NE

Ward 5 Emergency Education Town Hall Meeting - Monday, December 3

What: Emergency Education Town Hall Meeting to review the proposed reform plan to close 9 Ward 5 schools.

When: Monday, December 3, 2007, 7-9 p.m.

Where: Bertie Backus Middle School, 5171 South Dakota Avenue, NE

For More Information: Contact the Ward 5 Council office at 202.724.8028

24 DC Schools Proposed for Closure; 9 in Ward 5

From WaPo:

Ward 5 has the most proposed closures, with nine. That section of the city has experienced a recent influx of young families moving into such neighborhoods as Brookland and LeDroit Park, but many of them are choosing charter schools or going out of boundary rather than enrolling at neighborhood schools, which have been plagued by declining enrollment and poor test scores. Ward 3 is the only one with no schools on the list.

The document says those schools on the closure list would be taken "off the list for modernization, targeted repair, or blitz work (excluding things that are necessary for basic quality of life)."

The document also raises questions about the pace of repair work needed to upgrade schools that would take students from closed facilities. According to the list, Brookland Elementary in Northeast would close next year and the students would be sent to nearby Bunker Hill Elementary. Bunker Hill, however, would close two years later.

But the document also says there are plans to "rebuild a new [pre-kindergarten through eighth-grade school] on the Brookland site. This is a high priority to move up. Can we get a design team up in early '08 and complete construction by '10?"

In Ward 5:
Bertie Backus Middle - Fort Totten
Brookland Elementary - Brookland/Michigan Park
Bunker Hill Elementary (summer 2010)- Brookland/Michigan Park
Burroughs Elementary - Woodridge
Gage-Eckington Elementary - Ledroit Park/Bloomingdale
J.F. Cook Elementary - Eckington
Mamie D. Lee (summer 2009) - Fort Totten
M. M. Washington Career High - Eckington
Slowe Elementary - Brookland

Eastern HS Teacher Honored with the 2007 Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Prize in Education

Reynauld Smith, a social studies and AP American History teacher at Eastern High School, was one of three educators nationwide honored with the 2007 Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Prize in Education. According to the Mc-Graw Hill Companies, the Harold W. McGraw, Jr. Prize in Education "annually recognizes outstanding individuals who have dedicated themselves to enhancing learning in this country and whose accomplishments are making a difference today."

Mr. Smith is being recognized as an innovative educator who took over Eastern's fledgling Model United Nations program in 1999, and introduced the program as part of his AP American History class. Smith has worked with 500 students in his Model UN program and has taken dozens of students to Ecuador, Portugal, the Dominican Republic and Mexico. He previously taught in Montgomery County, MD, where he helped start a diversity club for U.S. and international students.

First Annual Community Open House at Bunker Hill Elementary - Saturday, August 25th

From Bunker Hill ES Principal Amanda Alexander:

What: Come and tour our stunning schoolhouse, meet our outstanding teachers and staff, and enjoy free barbecue! If you haven't been in a DC public school in a while and are just a concerned citizen, please come see this wonderful neighborhood asset. If you're still deciding where to send your child to school, or if you have already enrolled your child in an area charter school, you owe it to your child to see what we have to offer. Invited guests include Chancellor Michelle Rhee, School Board Member Lisa Raymond, and Councilman Harry Thomas!

When: Saturday, August 25th, 2007, 3-5pm

Where: Bunker Hill Elementary School, 1401 Michigan Avenue, NE

Etc.: Please RSVP at amanda.alexander@k12.dc.us

Clean-up at Emery Elementary - Saturday, August 25th

In conjunction with the Annual DCPS Beautification Day, the residents of Eckington have coordinated a "Clean-up Green-up" at Emery Elementary.

When: Saturday, August 25th, 9am-2pm

Where: Emery Elementary School, 1720 1st Street, NE

Details: Demonstrate your concern for the community and our young people by helping to fix up the outside of the school and the surrounding grounds before classes begin Monday.

We will tackle the following projects:
· Paint the outside doors around the building
· Fill a 50ft x 8 ft tree box with topsoil and plant flowers in it
· Set up tree boxes for our fall planting of trees from Casey Trees
· Create a new garden bed in front of the school
· Prune and remove branches from a large tree behind the school
· Weed and edge sidewalks and sweep the parking lot.

We have the tools and supplies but what we really need is you!

Ward 5 Education Town Hall Meeting - Thursday, August 2nd

I've been out of town for a few days and am just catching up on the news....I'm aware of the shooting at Edgewood Terrace that left 7 wounded (where we seem to need "all hands on deck" at all times, not just on special occassions) and the off-duty firefighter who was shot and carjacked. Both of these incidents suck, and August is just beginning.

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What: Share your thoughts and concerns about DC Public Schools with Ward 5 Councilmember Harry "Tommy" Thomas, Jr. and new Chancellor Michelle Rhee

When: Thursday, August 2nd, 2007, 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Agenda: 6:30 p.m. Athletic Field Walk-Thru; 7:00-9:00 p.m. Forum

Where: McKinley Technical High School, 151 T Street, NE

For More Information Contact: Ward 5 Council Office at 202.724.8028

**In anticipation of the townhall meeting, Harry Thomas's office has created an education survey you can take here. The results will be shared at the meeting.**

PCDC Forum on School Reform - Wednesday, April 11th

From the Premier Community Development Corporation (PCDC):

Contact: Hazel Thomas, Chair, 202-491-9245
Dominique West, Forum Chair, 202-898-5063
Stephanie Rones, Executive Director, 202-250-PCDC

Citizens to Debate Council Vote and School Reform Proposal at PCDC Pubic Forum on April 11th, 2007

Premier Community Development Corporation (PCDC), a nonprofit community membership organization designed to improve housing, economic development, and the quality of life in Ward 5, is sponsoring a forum to discuss the school reform proposal.

The forum, entitled: "Standing Up for Children, Families, and Communities: The Role of Government and Stakeholders in Improving Our Schools, Our Neighborhoods," will be held on Wednesday, April 11th, 2007, 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM, at the North Michigan Park Recreation Center located at 13th and Emerson Streets, NE.

The Forum will be a public discourse on school governance and will focus on critical topics such as: citizens' involvement in the decision making process, the impact of the environment on academic achievement in the District, and possible solutions to improving schools and neighborhoods. Invited guest panelist include: representatives from the Mayor's office; School Board President, Robert Bobb; and others. The panel will address questions from the moderator and the audience; for example:

- The mayoral schools takeover -- a panacea, cure-all, current fad, or public relations attention-grabber?
- What is the cost of the proposed school takeover and the impact on bureaucracy?
- What does accountability entail? Will being in charge guarantee success and problems fixed?
- How can D.C. reduce the problems in communities and homes that affect teaching and learning?
- How can the D.C. school system improve school performance now?
- What are the roles and responsibilities of parents, teachers, civic leaders, business leaders, labor, faith community, and government leaders in improving education?
- How does the "No Child Left Behind" law impact schools?
- How can we make a difference in education and make D.C. a model for the world?
- Should traditional D.C. schools be funded like charter schools? Why are charter and traditional schools regulated differently overall?
- Should there be a referendum for any Home Rule charter changes? Can we wait for Wards 4 and 7 elections?

The forum is free and open to the public.

Premier Community Development Corporation
Improving Ward 5 Housing, Economic Development and Quality of Life
1309 Rhode Island Avenue NE, Suite B, Washington, DC 20018

Phone: 202.250.PCDC
Fax: 202.250.PCD3
premiercdc@yahoo.com

If anyone knows more about PCDC (I couldn't find a website or other online presence for them), please leave details in the comments.

Brookland Civic Association & SMD 5A-06 Monthly Meeting - Tuesday, April 10th

What: The Brookland Civic Association and SMD 5A-06 monthly meetings will be held jointly.

When: Tuesday, April 10th, 2007, 6:30-8:30pm

Where: Turkey Thicket Recreation Center, 1100 Michigan Avenue, NE

Agenda Includes:
· 7th and 8th Street Changes Update
· Ronald McDonald House Relocation Proposal
· MPD-5D
· Elsie Whitmore School; proposed sale to charter school (located at Oakview Terrace, Perry and Otis between 12th and 13th Streets)
· Cardinal's Nest Restaurant; customer service issues
· Larry Sanders, owner of the 10th Street Shopping Center; plans for the future
· Discussion of proposed closing of Brookland Elementary and Slowe Elementary Schools

Etc.: For more information, call Marie Baird Curry at 202.635.1970.

Coalition of Concerned Neighbors Meeting - Monday, February 26th

What: Coalition of Concerned Neighbors Monthly Meeting

When: Monday, February 26th, 2007, 6:30-8:30pm

Where: Woodridge Library, 1801 Hamlin Street, NE (corner of 18th Street and Rhode Island Avenue)

Special Guest: Mayor Adrian Fenty discusses his proposed legislation to take over the DC Public Schools

Contact: 202.903.6197 / 202.882.1683 or concernneighbors@yahoo.com

CANCELLED - Brookland Civic Association Meeting - Tuesday, February 13th

**This meeting had been cancelled due to potentially hazardous weather conditions this evening. The meeting has been rescheduled for Thursday, March 1st, 2007 at the same time and location, and Mayor Fenty will be in attendance.**

What: Brookland Neighborhood Civic Association Monthly Meeting

When: Tuesday, February 13th, 2007, 6:30-8:30pm

Where: Turkey Thicket Recreation Center, 1100 Michigan Avenue, NE

Agenda includes:
• Street changes update
• Special guest Adrian Fenty
• Invited guest Carolyn Graham, DCPS Board of Education
• Invited guest Commander Greene, MPD-5D Police Department
• Community concerns

For more information, contact Civic Association President Mary Baird-Currie at 202.635.1970.

Coalition of Concerned Neighbors Meeting - Monday, September 11th

What: Coalition of Concerned Neighbors Monthly Meeting

When: Monday, September 11th, 2006, 6:30-8:30pm

Where: Woodridge Library, 1801 Hamlin Street, NE (18th and Rhode Island Avenue), 202.541.6226

Special Guests: Mr. Reginald Weaver - President, National Education Association (NEA); Ms. Deidre Neal - Principal, Backus Middle School (their site, likely out of date, lists Mr. Alfonzo Powell as the Principal); Ms. Linda Little - Principal, John Burroughs Elementary School; Mrs. Valorie Powell - Principal, Thurgood Marshall Elementary School @ Ft. Lincoln; Ms. Barbara Campbell - Principal, Langdon Elementary School; Mr. Reginald Burke - Principal, Springarn Senior High School

Please bring school supplies to this meeting to help homeless children in the local community shelter.

Contact: Additional questions or concerns, please call Ms. Llyod at 202.903.6197 or 202.257.0001

Semi-automatic Sandwich

From MPD:

On Friday, June 2, 2006, at about 9:15 am, a cigarette lighter that resembles a semi-automatic handgun was found in the possession of a 9th grade student who attends McKinley Tech High School, located at 151 T Street, NE.

During the security screening process at the school, a Hawk One Security officer discovered the cigarette lighter handgun replica in the female student's book bag, sandwiched between two slices of bread and wrapped in aluminum foil. The student was suspended. It is unclear why she brought the cigarette lighter handgun replica to school.

This matter was handled entirely by the school. No criminal charges are pending.

Kudos to the school security for finding the "weapon." Again, we must invest in and engage our youth. While I agree with the suspension, what happens from there?

Burroughs School's Phone Tower is Opposed

Article in today's Washington Post about the Sprint cell phone tower at John Burroughs Elementary, 1820 Monroe Street, NE.