From A Red Cape to Red Jackets: Meet the Stanton Elementary School Team

By Gabby Fish, corps member serving at Stanton Elementary School


A couple of days ago I was finally able to sit down and watch the renowned documentary “Waiting for Superman,” a film that puts a startling spotlight on the controversial issue of public education in our country. The film argues that we cannot wait around any longer for change to happen; a man in a red cape and blue tights is not flying down to every underserved community in the nation, raising students’ test scores and saving the future leaders of America from educational inequities. As Ghandi once said, “YOU must be the change you wish to see in the world.”


After working at DC Scholars: Stanton Elementary School, however, I have come to believe that even though a red cape will not suffice, a City Year team of red jackets can work wonders.

DC Scholars: Stanton Elementary School is not your average City Year experience. In the words of CYDC’s 2010-2011 Stanton Team, they see the school as “inimitable,” “evolving,” “energetic,” “captivating,” and in many ways “indescribable.”

In the 2010-2011 school year, Scholar Academies partnered with the school district of Washington, DC to take on the important work of turning around Stanton Elementary School. Stanton has, over the years, been facing severely low reading and math proficiency rates and therefore required a dramatic transformation this year.

Accordingly, Stanton is a public school with the adopted invigorating culture of a charter school. From hallways lined with college pennants to sing-along math and reading chants and daily school-wide rituals, Stanton exhibits a tremendous amount of purpose and pride.

When you factor in eight energetic City Year corps members, the school becomes an even more lively and vibrant place. Stanton constantly looks towards the future of their scholars, proudly chanting “C.O.L.L.E.G.E. College is the place for me!” The Stanton City Year Team not only reinforces these aspects of the DC Scholars culture, but that of City Year as well. Most importantly, however, the team overcomes significant challenges everyday, taking steps forward to improve student behavior one scholar at a time, to increase academic motivation, and to advance course performance. City Year’s strong presence at Stanton before, during, and after school makes the Stanton Team one that is greatly appreciated by the school’s students and teachers alike.

 

When asked to describe the Stanton Team in their own words, the corps members described the team as “incomparable,” “super-heroic,” “immaculate and dashing” one teammate joked, a team of “unified eclecticism” commented another. It turns out City Year’s Stanton Team isn’t so far from walking around like they’ve got an ‘S’ on their chests after all. Holler scholars!

Meet The "Little" Browne Team

By Lianne Shields, corps member serving on the Comcast Team at Browne Education Campus

Everyday around 7:50am on 26th street NE, you can usually see a flood of red walking up the steps of both Browne Education Campus and Spingarn High School. With two teams serving at Browne and a large team at Spingarn down the street, there are twenty-nine red jackets on one block, with every grade encountering City Year’s services.

Here at Browne Education Campus, we are lucky enough to have two City Year teams dedicated to improving students’ academics, behavior, and community. The team that serves the elementary grades is affectionately referred to as “Little Browne” while the team in the middle school space is called “Big Browne” (To find out more about Big Browne tune in later this week for Gabi Cabido Carr’s spotlight).

Little Browne is made up of eight energetic and unique individuals. If there is one thing our team can definitely do, it is make each other laugh. When the days are long and stressful, it is nice to be able to laugh and have fun with my team. From a far we seem like a normal group of 17 – 24 year olds, but step into Room 235 and you’ll experience what Little Browne really is….

At Little Browne, our door is always opening and closing. Three corps members run small groups and one-on-one tutoring sessions in our City Year room, which means that certain students spend a lot of time in our room. Having those few kids in the room with multiple corps members really allows us to build a community with the students. Their experience with City Year isn’t only with the corps member placed in the classroom but with the whole team.

At 11:15am the lunch rotation has start. Recess and lunch clubs are rotated between grades and for the next hour different lunch groups meet together in various locations around the campus. Sometimes corps members combine clubs and infuse our students’ favorite thing, dance, into the club activities.
After lunch, our planning periods are filled with laughs, meetings and preparing for after school programs. The afternoons fly by with math tutoring and our power-hour of homework help starting at 3:30pm. Clubs start at 4:45pm after snack and for the next hour, we engage our students in art, music, technology, photography and Starfish programs.

The best part of our day is when we can spend time with our students and get to see their personalities, talents, and individuality. The 450 students at Browne Education Campus are full of potential, humor, love and determination. Despite any challenges we as individuals face, I can honestly say that as a team, it is these students that bring Hank, Meagan, Paul, Gabi, Graeme, Barbara, Doug, Erin and I back to Browne every day.

Meet The Winston Education Campus Team

  By Lindsay Gray, corps member serving on the CSX Team at Turner Elementary School

I have noticed and admired the close-knit vibe of The Whole School Whole Child team serving at Winston Education campus for a while, so I was excited to have the opportunity to sit down with them in between our Friday schedule. The first thing I asked them was to give me a few words to describe their team, and three people instantly responded “family.” Other words included fun, honest, crazy, loving, real, and entertaining. The funny thing was, I could SEE all these adjectives in the way the team interacted with each other. They joked, laughed, and finished each other’s sentences.

The team has come a long way since August. When asked about their first impressions of each other, Tyrone, Tiffany, and Ryan all said, “I didn’t know these people!” Other teammates expressed that they had doubts about how the team would get along. Needless to say, they need not have worried. The sentiment now is unanimous—“I love my team!”

I asked the group about their favorite Winston memories, and the response was completely devoid of complete sentences. Instead, the team listed inside jokes that brought smiles to all of their faces. “Watch the chicken!” “Ryan and the bee,” and the apparent favorite, “35 bucks!” were all phrases that meant nothing to me, but were obviously things that the group experienced and remembered fondly.

Neils, the program manager at Winston, offered more insight on the group. He describe them as “dedicated, inspiring, and hilarious.” His first thought upon seeing the team was “It’s gonna be a long road. We have a long way to go.” Thoughts now? “I’m blessed to be their PM.” He attributes their success to open communication and solidarity; he says that each member knows they are all dedicated and passionate about their work.” One of his many memories was back to school night at Winston, when the team was officially introduced to the students and parents. He recalls the standing ovation the team received that left him teary-eyed…in three words, “It was awesome.”

Before they leave City Year, Neils wants the team to know “They truly won’t know the difference they made until they come back and see the footprints they left in the sand, the cathedrals they built, and the sand that has turned into diamonds as a result of their work.”-- Then I’M the one who was teary-eyed.

The team stated that love and honesty are key parts of their success. They also cite their team leader, Terrell (or T-money as Ryan called him), as a reason for their closeness. They gave me some words of wisdom for future CY teams. “Keep it real!” “Have humble ‘swag’" Maureen said (“that’s our team motto,” interjected Ryan). “You’re a family”  said Andrea, and they all agreed. Family is obviously very important to their team, and not just in words. They truly embody what it means to be a team.

This team is not only making a difference in the lives of their students; they are changing each other’s lives as well.

 

City Year Washington DC Shares HOPE

By Erica Obebe, Corps Member serving on the the CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield HOPE Team

The startling statistic that, among people who have been tested, 1 in 20 are living with HIV/AIDS in Washington, DC is a daily motivation for me to serve. I proudly serve on the CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield HIV/AIDS Outreach Prevention Education or HOPE team.

The CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield HOPE Team

The HOPE team presents a CDC-approved 8 to 10 hour module curriculum to middle and high school students in DC Public Schools. Our presentations provide engaging activities, videos, and demonstrations that without a doubt maintain the attention of students and enable them to make proud choices. Though this is our primary task, we also learn about the disparities that people living with HIV/AIDS face in Washington, DC through various opportunities. The HOPE team performs outreach after school several times per week by distributing safer sex kits, provides supporting services at HIV/AIDS advocacy and community building organizations and attends conferences focused on awareness of resources in the community. Additionally, the HOPE team facilitates conversations among adolescents around sexual health and relationships during Visionary Youth Becoming Empowered (VYBE) sessions in partnership with Metro Teen AIDS.

 On December 1, 2010 we particpated in the 23annual World AIDS Day. Each year the theme reflects an issue to be acknowledged concerning prevention of the growing epidemic; the theme of 2010 is “Universal Access and Human Rights”.


Last Friday in our own extention of World AIDS Day, The CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield HOPE Team hosted a Leadership Development day for the Corps, in order to educated our fellow Corps Members on HIV, how it is transmitted and how to keep themselves and their loved ones safe.

The day began with an interesting version of the "transmission game" where corps demonstrated the spread of HIV and other STIs through an activity where all participants signed and exchanged cards until music stopped playing to simulate how quickly the disease can spread. The HOPE Team then presented to the Corps on the importance of Testing and the HIV epidemic in DC, followed by some fun activities that helped to ensure everyones was aware of ways to protect themselves. During the lunch hour, free HIV testing was available and a bake sale which raised more than $200.00 for the hospice center Joseph’s House.

The day was brought to a close by a presentation from some very knowledgeable and exciting presenters including representatives from The Women’s Collective,  La Clinica del Pueblo and and Joseph’s House who shared creative methods to practice safe sex.

Overall, the day was huge success thanks to our exciting guests, generous sponsors, attentive audience and the diligent planning of the HOPE team!

A Day in the Life at Turner Elementary

By Isabel Huston, Corps Member on the CSX Team serving at Turner Elementary

For the CSX Team proudly serving at Turner Elementary school, a day in our lives is like a series of sprints that adds up to the length of a marathon.

The day starts at 8:15 when we circle in our room to check in and get ready for the day. After we make sure that everyone is ready for a powerful day of service, we open our team dictionary to a random page and select our word of the day to break on. So, at about 8:20, if you were in the hallway on the second floor of our school, you might here a loud and inspired chant along the lines of, “CYDC, POWERFUL!” followed by a flood of red jackets as the team heads downstairs to power greet.

At 8:30, our eight team members line the steps leading to the front doors of the school and welcome students to school. Second graders hide their faces in their jackets and fifth graders pull their hoods over their heads (all to hide smiles, I assure you) as we sing and dance, welcoming them to school.

Then begins the school day. Corps members head to their classrooms to help their teachers distribute students’ breakfast. Then it is time to begin pulling our small groups. Each team member works with at least one group of K-3rd graders on a literacy intervention. Despite the ominous sound of the word “intervention,” what we really do is play games with our small groups, making learning fun. And, at the end of our half hour together, the students return to their classes, smiles on their faces and a little bit more knowledge in their heads.

The CSX Team serving at Turner Elementary School

For the rest of the day it is an endless cacophony of “Miss Isabel, I need help,” “Mr. Tom, could you help me with this worksheet?” “Miss Lindsay, what is this word?” Until, after the ringing of the bell we return to our room and take a deep breath, before heading to after-school.

Our after-school program is the sprint to the finish. First, we spend an hour with our students helping them to complete their homework. Then, it is my personal favorite time of the day, snack time! And, finally, for the last 45 minutes of the day, the Turner team takes over the after-school programming, running super fun enrichment clubs until that final announcement is heard over the intercom, “Would all aftercare groups please escort students to the lobby?” And so, reluctantly we return our students to their parents, return to the City Year room, and break for the day (CYDC, POWERFUL!).

Finally, red jackets in hand, we troop up 15th street to the Congress Heights metro station, headed to collapse horizontally on our beds—all so that we can come back and do it again the next day!

A day in the life of a Corps Member sounds exhausting. So, what exactly keeps us coming back? To return to the marathon metaphor, it is probably that same sense of accomplishment, that endorphin high, that a runner feels after having pushed him- or herself over a 26.2 mile long course. At the end of the day, no matter how harrowing things have been, I am always able to look back and smile. Unlike any other experience I have had in my life so far, serving with City Year makes me feel like I am doing good and purposeful work, and that makes every minute of every day worthwhile. And as a Corps Member, I get to see the results of my efforts every day when I see my students read with fluency and enthusiasm in the morning, speak about what it means to be a leader at lunch, and blaze through math problems in the afternoon. 

There may not be anything quite as challenging as a day in the life of a Corps Member, but there is definitely nothing quite as inspiring. So, just as those crazy running addicts register for marathon upon marathon, we get up every morning, excited and ready for another POWERFUL day of service.

Galas to celebrate our students' success!

Simon Elementary School Young Leaders Gala

The Young Leaders Gala, organized by the City Year corps members serving at Abram Simon Elementary School, was held on Thursday, May 6 to honor 30 students, who exemplify leadership. The theme for the night was all about leadership, encompassed by the vision of “transforming tomorrow by celebrating the young leaders of today.”

Honoree students and guest were treated by City Year to a night of fine dining right in the school auditorium. Dr. Lindsay Marsh, graduate of George Washington University undergraduate and medical programs, anesthesiologist, and founder of the nonprofit organization the Worth the Wait Revolution, was the keynote speaker. She encouraged students to dream big and set their sights on attending college. Each student received a leadership award in order to commemorate their diligence and willingness to stand out among their peers throughout the year. The City Year team at Simon this year knows this event was memorable for all in attendance, and believes that it will inspire many further acts of leadership in the years to come.

Francis-Stevens Education Campus Star-Student Gala

The Star-Student Gala held on May 13 at Francis-Stevens Education Campus brought together families, teachers, and community members to celebrate the achievements made by students over the 2010 academic school year. Complete with a red carpet, velvet rope, paparazzi, and a photography station, the school was transformed into a venue worthy of the Oscars. Over 200 people were in attendance to watch students receive awards in academics, athletics, service, and leadership. The event successfully united the school and local community members to recognize students for their achievements and promote their continued development as life long learners and young leaders.

City Year’s Heroes were Busy in Action this May!

The more than 100 Young and City Heroes see that their six months of hard work has paid off with many opportunities to highlight their excellence. The Young Heroes held their Gallery Walk event on Wednesday, May 19, which showcased their dedication to service. Family, friends, school administration, and City Year staff and corps members joined the Young Heroes at City Year Washington, DC’s Headquarters to see the Heroes’ presentation. May 22 was the last Saturday for both programs and so they held a Celebration of Service in honor of their hard work. The Heroes visited Smithsonian museums, had a BBQ, played games and enjoyed an ice cream social in celebration of their more than 10,000 collective hours of service to the DC community.

The Heroes Graduation Ceremony was held at the Marie Reed Community Learning Center on Wednesday, May 26. This ceremony in honor of the Young and City Heroes' dedication to service and their continued journey towards becoming civic leaders wrapped up the two busy weeks of closing events. City Year hopes that many of the Heroes graduates will return next year to be a part of the program once again.

In School & On Track!

Whole School Whole Child

Confronting a National Challenge

• Every 26 seconds an American student drops out of public high school.


• According to the National Center for Education Research, 89% of DC students performed below the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) proficient level in 2005.


• In urban public schools that serve primarily low income and Latino or African American youth, 40%-60% of entering freshman do not graduate from high school.

Through City Year's Whole School Whole Child service model, you will serve in one school all day, for 10 months, as a tutor, mentor and role model to help improve student attendance, behavior and coursework in grades K-8 through:

• Academic Support - providing in-school academic assistance, small group tutoring, and one-on-one tutoring to DC Public School students.
  
• After-School Programming - leading after-school programs that include an hour of tutoring and homework help, followed by an hour of enrichment activities focused on topics such as drama, music and community service.
  
• Positive School Climate - creating a positive and welcoming environment by implementing lunch and recess enrichment clubs, organizing school-wide assemblies and service days, and engaging parents through workshops, student showcases, and newsletters.
  

Here at CYDC 69% of K-3rd grade students tutored by corps members improved at least one level on the DIBELS literacy assessment compared with 39% of students in the same schools who were not tutored by corps members. City Year DC serves in seven DCPS elementary schools. Our teams serve at

• Browne Education Campus
• Ferebee-Hope ES
• Francis-Stevens Educational Campus
• Malcolm X ES
• Simon ES
• Stanton ES
• Turner @ Green ES

We will be spotlighting each WSWC team to learn more about the corps members and the great work they are doing in their schools throughout the year!

Introducing the WSWC teams!

Malcolm X Elementary School

Program Manager: Allison Felder
Team Leader: Margaret Herrmann
Team Members: Charlotte D., Alaina S., Charisse F., Shajena E., Kristin H., Casey B., Simon E., Daniel A., Sunil K., & Shannon S.

Stanton Elementary School

Program Manager: Tammy Whyte
Team Leader: Kate Fahje
Team Members: Evan A., Millard M., Maurice M., Zach S., Doug O., Davita L., Keisha H., & Marice M.

Turner @ Green Elementary School

Program Manager: Michael Stevens
Team Leader: Bre Ann Holmes
Team Members: Cassandra S., CJ H., Talib M., Omar E., Chris M., Matthew S., Lena J., Lindsey D., & Naomi H.

Francis-Stevens Education Campus

Program Manager: Nicole Lucas
Team Leader: Lauren Miner
Team Members: Anna O., Nadia P., Sarah G., Sareena B., Jason J., Dante D., Antoine N., & Jay H.

Ferebee-Hope Elementary School

Program Manager: Michael Stevens
Team Leader: Jaime Barrow
Team Members: Meghan I., Johweyeh L., De'Shaun F., Heyward S., Bjorn C., Lindsey B., Julia L., Sarai G., & Carly D.

Browne Education Center

Program Manager: Tammy Whyte
Team Leader: David Steber
Team Members: Claire S., Imani C., Michael N., Jonathan G., Matthew H., Michael W., Katie M., Jennifer R., Luchele C., & Chelsea D.

Simon Elementary School

Program Manager: Nicole Lucas
Team Leader: Julie Edwards-Ransom
Team Members: Sheun O., Marquette G., Teddy S., Ben B., Benjamin K., Jazmin W., Courtney H., Kahlie C., & Emilie K.

Introducing the CE Team!

The Civic Engagement Team

Program Manager: Joel Shuherk

Team Leader: Catherine Norton

Team Members: Daniel D., Diane D., Desmond P., Daniel L., Kralia M., Georgina S.

Bio: Corps members plan and lead monthly service projects that each year engage and unify up to 1,200 community volunteers in service to beautify DC schools, parks, and community centers. The CE team unites volunteers to participate in projects such as: painting murals, planting gardens, creating playspaces, and landscape beautification. We will post upcoming service projects and learn more about the awesome work the CE team is doing in the DC community.

Introducing the Heroes!

The Young Heroes & City Heroes Team

Program Manager - Stefanie Vestal

Team Leaders - Peter Hulbert & Samantha Traverso

Team Members - David S., Julianne A., Thanh L., Dana F., Janae E., Evan W., Andres H., Matt W.

Bio - The Heroes Team consist of both the Young Heroes Program for middle school students and the City Heroes Program for high school students. The corps members recruit, lead, and engage 125 diverse middle school students and 75 high school students in a five-month Saturday service-learning program. The program teaches youth about pressing social issues and helps develop youth into active citizens.

Introducing the HOPE Team!

The HIV/AIDS Outreach and Prevention Education Team

Program Manager - Kerriann Peart

Team Leader - Judy Rupp

Team Members - Anna C., Kayte S., Michelle W., Kela H., Meheret E., Irvin H., Darrell D., Joshua F., Brian D., & Justin F.

Bio - Washington DC has the highest rate of HIV/AIDS infection in the nation. It is estimated that one in every 20 adults in DC is infected with HIV. The HOPE team corps members work throughout the year to prevent HIV infection among young people by educating them about the dangers of HIV and other STDs, how it is spread through substance abuse and the exchange of body fluids in such activities as unprotected sex. The HOPE team delivers a 10-week CDC-approved HIV/AIDS prevention curriculum to more than 3,100 DC middle and high school students during in-school time, empowering students to make smart and healthy life decisions. The HOPE team corps members will be spotlighted later this year and you will hear more about their amazing work.