From an email:

John Eaton, a local jazz pianist and D.C. native who has performed for packed houses at the White House, the Kool Jazz Festival, and the Smithsonian Institution, is joining forces with John Eaton Elementary School to raise funds for arts and music programs at the 100-year-old public institution in D.C.’s Cleveland Park. The pianist will perform at the school’s Barbara Munday Theater on Saturday January 7 at 7:00 pm.
Mr. Eaton, who Washingtonian Magazine included on its 2008 list of “best-loved veterans of the Washington music scene” has no relation to the 100-year-old school’s namesake—a Civil War-era general who was renowned for his work in education—but offered to do a benefit concert after learning about the school and its work in bringing the arts to D.C. public school students.
“We are delighted and honored that Mr. Eaton has generously offered his talents to help our school raise the much-needed funds that introduce our children to music, dance, and visual arts,” said Dale Mann, principal of John Eaton Elementary.
The concert is open to the entire D.C. community. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased on the school’s website.

This performance will directly support the music and visual arts programs at John Eaton Elementary School. Refreshments will be served.

All are welcome!

Photo by PoPville flickr user Mr. T in DC

From an email:

“The Last Old School Stroll”

Saturday November 19th, 4:00-8:00 pm

Cardozo High School
1200 Clifton St., N.W.
Washington, DC 20009
Metro Green Line: U St./Cardozo or Columbia Heights

COMPLETE MODERNIZATION of Cardozo High School begins December 22, 2011; Like-new building and new gym open August, 2013. All students and all educational programs continue in swing-space at Meyer Elementary during construction.

Everyone is invited for the pre-construction walk-through and general reunion:

alumni, students, teachers, neighbors, DC history buffs.

Donations accepted to help cover expenses. Contact: cardozohigh2011@gmail.com”

Rendering of alley view courtesy of Bowie Gridley Architects

Back in July ’11 we learned that Meridian Public Charter school would be moving into the old Harrison School at 13th and V St, NW. They got their financing – from a press release:

“The historic Harrison School building has become the next development in Washington, D.C.’s dynamic U Street neighborhood. A $15.5 million renovation adds 12,000 square feet to the existing 49,000 square foot structure to serve hundreds of families and 530 children from early childhood through eighth grade at Meridian Public Charter School.

Meridian Chairman Ron Ridker explained the school’s commitment to the U Street area. “The Manhattan Laundry building has served us very well since our inception twelve years ago. We could have found a good permanent home for Meridian in other parts of the city, but waited until an appropriate building close to our current location came along, so we could continue serving the community we grew up with. The Manhattan Laundry space will soon be available for other uses.”

Primary funding for Meridian’s new home was provided through TRF’s Chase New Markets Tax Credit Charter School Fund, created in partnership with The Reinvestment Fund (TRF) and Chase. A fifty-year lease signed with the District of Columbia, construction began this week at 13th and V Streets, N.W. for completion in August of 2012.

In addition to its premier financing partners, Meridian has assembled a top team: Forrester Construction, Bowie Gridley Architects, Building Hope, and Brailsford & Dunlavey.”

Current alley view

What do you think of the addition renderings? You can see how the property looks now from the front here.

Alley view

Alley view

From an email:

“The U Street Neighborhood Association’s Education Committee invites you to attend the final screening of the 2011 U Street Movie Series with Waiting for Superman on Saturday, October 22, 2011 from 12:00 pm to 3:30 pm at the Shaw @ Garnet-Patterson Jr. High School, 2001 10th Street, NW.

As seating is limited, FREE registration is required to attend.

The screening of the movie will  be followed by an engaging panel discussion about the education of the District’s children, a pressing community issue.  Doors open at 12:00 pm (12:15-2:00 pm screening; 2:15-3:30 pm panel conversation).  A networking reception at Duffy’s Irish Pub and Restaurant, 2106 Vermont Avenue, will begin immediately after the conclusion of the panel discussion.

The panel discussion will be moderated by Jackie Gran and Education policy expert, and neighborhood resident. Confirmed panelists include:

• Jason Kamras: DCPS Chief of Human Capital, featured in the film, and neighborhood resident.
• Evelyn Boyd Simmons: ANC 2F Education Committee Chair, and parent of two Garrison Elementary students.
• Reuben Jacobson: Senior Associate for Research & Strategy for the Coalition for Community Schools, former DC Teaching Fellow, and DCPS parent.
• Patrick Mara: Ward 1 DC State Board of Education Representative.
• Robinette Breedlove: Principal, Meridian Charter School.
• Kerry Sylvia: Teacher, Cardozo High School.
• Ann McLeod: Garrison Elementary PTA President, and parent.

There is a suggested $5 cash donation at the door.”

Urban Turf speculates:

“3047 15th Street NW is particularly intriguing because it is zoned as R-5-B. Such zoning means the building could be used for residential purposes and that a developer could convert the building into a condo project.”

It’s yours for $8,950,000.

We judged the building back in Oct. ’08.

I’m also quite curious what will happen to the school? Will they combine with the uppers school campus? Whenever we’ve spoken about the school in the past – parents have been very happy with them. You can learn more about Capital City Public Charter School here.

Anyone have the inside scoop on why they are selling?

Ed. Note: This sale follows the July news of Maya Angelou Public Charter School sale at 9th and T St, NW for $9,500,000.

View Larger Map

Eat More Salad Flyer

“Participating schools: Eastern High School, H.D. Woodson High School, Ellington School of the Arts, Ballou High School, Columbia Heights Education Campus, Wilson High School, Phelps Architecture, Construction & Engineering High School, Banneker High School, Coolidge High School, and McKinley Tech High School.”

Thanks to some folks from Meridian PCS for sending some info about the school at 2120 13th St, NW:

View Larger Map

Quick Facts about Meridian PCS…
Meridian has been renting a converted factory building at 1328 Florida Avenue, NW for 10 years
• Meridian PCS has an enrollment of 550 students ranging from early childhood to 8th grade
• Meridian PCS anticipates moving into its new facility by August of 2012
• This project is a $15M investment that includes a 49,000 SF renovation along with a 12,000 SF addition

Meridian PCS ANC Handout (7-Jul-2011)

I’m told the deal should be finalized tomorrow and that renovations would be starting as soon as possible.

Meridian PCS “will continue to operate at the Florida Avenue site [1328 Florida Avenue, NW] until the renovation/addition is complete which is expected Summer 2012. Other public charter schools in DC continue to also grow and search for affordable space. It is likely that another public charter school will lease the Florida Avenue site after Meridian leaves.”

Regarding the current tenant:

“The Children’s Studio School relinquished their charter with the DC Public Charter School Board in June 2010 announcing plans to continue as a private school. Since then they have known that they would not be able to continue operating from the public property of Harrison Elementary. The Mayor’s office has been trying to help them with this transition.”

Photos courtesy of The Farm at Walker Jones

“Dear PoP,

We are the largest school gardening program in the city right now and one of only two “farms” alongside Common Good City Farm. The project blog may be found at wjfarm.org.

The first photo is a shot from the back of the farm where you can see our school in the center. New building. Lots of glass.

The second photo is of Jeff Miller of DC Honeybees showing the kids what one of our two hives on the farm is up to. We have a hive of Russian bees and a hive of Italian. The Italians are very lively and excitable.

The third photo is of our perennial herb bed.”

Sounds and looks awesome:

Design: The Farm is located ten blocks north of the U.S. Capitol and is across L Street from the school [1125 New Jersey Ave. NW]. The Farm contains four large production-scale beds for greens and vegetables just south of a small orchard of figs, paw paws and persimmons surrounding an outdoor classroom. A large sections of herbs and flowers for school-made products lines the west side of the garden, while the east side contains a small greenhouse, shipping container tool shed, outdoor pizza oven, and raspberry patch.

Action Plan: The following plan outlines possible next steps to make the vision of Walker Jones Farm a reality:

Summer 2010: Establish Farm. Plant beds, set up utilities and create orchard and outdoor classroom
Fall 2010: Integrate farm into Kindergarten curriculum and hold Fall farm celebration
Spring 2011: Plant spring garden with input from Walker Jones community and neighborhood
2011-2012: Work on integration into school cafeteria and curriculum, including product development
2012-2013: Begin selling products, serving food from farm weekly at school and share practices

Photo of ‘Shenanigans with the marquee at Garrison Elementary’ by PoPville reader JS

In Feb. we had a discussion about schools in PoPville and I was (happily) surprised to hear many positive recommendations. Just a few years ago if I spoke to people who had young children or were planning on having them about 95% said they would move out of DC when it was time to send their kids to school. So I’d like to revisit that question to see if sentiments have changed over the years.

For the Friday Question of the Day – very simply – will you (do you) send your children to school in DC? If yes, will you/do you send them to public school, charter school or private school?

I’ve also heard that it is common to send your children to elementary school in DC but then move when they reach middle school or high school age – do you plan on sending your children to school in DC through high school?

Photo by PoPville flickr user pablo.raw

“Dear PoPville,

I am a Petworth resident with a 1.5 year old. I read the post from Feb 14 about schools in PoPville with considerable interest. It seems like there are more decent options for public and charter schools nearby than I had originally thought. However, I am interested in starting my son in a preschool program at 2.5 years and it looks like the public/charter school options only start at 3 years. I’d love for some more input from PoPville on nearby preschool options for 2.5 year olds. What schools do people like? How expensive are the programs? How is the transition from a private preschool to public/charter schools?”

Looks like speculation that an H Mart and/or office space may have both been wrong guesses for a replacement tenant for the Secret Safeway in Dupont. Thanks to a reader for sending in word that Mundo Verde PCS has leased space in the building:

“Mundo Verde will be located at 2001 S Street NW in Dupont Circle, conveniently close to the Red Line Metro and numerous bus lines.

Our space was designed for use by early elementary students and includes six large, bright classrooms; a library/lounge; a conference room; bathrooms; and a kitchen that are all on one floor.”

Though, it is not clear if they will be taking the 1st floor retail space because their Web site says:

“Mundo Verde anticipates moving from its incubator space by its second year of operations. In its search, school administrators will prioritize space that is accessible by public transportation and has ample room for outdoor classrooms and a learning garden. The school is currently exploring potential sites in Wards 1, 2, 5 and 6.”

At any rate, the school sounds pretty cool:

“Mundo Verde is the first and only school in the District focusing on Education for Sustainability. The combination of bilingual education and project-based (expeditionary) learning is also unique in the District of Columbia.”

Photo by PoPville flickr user rpmaxwell

“Dear PoP,

We live in Brookland, where Noyes Elementary is the assigned elementary school for our child. With the recent test cheating scandal, we are even more grateful than ever that our child was lucky enough to win an out-of-boundary spot at one of the few good DC elementary schools. Some of our neighbors have not been so lucky. Given the limited number of good elementary schools in the city and the limited number of out-of-bounds spots in each school, I find it very upsetting when I drop off or pick up my child from school to see numerous parents whose cars have Maryland license plates.

Some of these parents are likely sending their children to this school illegally, which I understand the district has policies in place to prevent. That is of course, annoying, but it is the parents who are in the wrong. But we were very surprised to learn that other parents are actually paying non-resident tuition for their children to attend the school.

According to the school district’s website, non-resident parents “may pay non-resident tuition to enroll in a DCPS school where space is available.” We don’t have a problem with that generally speaking. But it appears that the district is giving spaces to non-resident tuition payers even when there is a long waiting list of DC residents who applied via the out-of-boundary process to these schools. Shouldn’t these spots go to DC residents first, and then if (and only if) there are no remaining DC children who want to attend a particular school, be opened up to non-resident tuition payers?”

Holy cow. Did anyone else know this takes place? Does it make sense?

Photo by PoPville flickr user Vileinist

“Dear PoP,

I live in East Capitol Hill, by the Potomac Ave Metro. Twice daily for almost 2 years, I pass in front of the Friendship Public Charter School across from the Harris Teeter on my way to and from the metro. I actually have always enjoyed having the school there because let’s face it – kids are cute, and I it was always nostalgic to see these high-energy kids heading to school or hanging out front waiting for their parents to pick them up. It was a nice reminder that we all used to be that age, and had that level of boundless energy.

Well I had quite a different experience yesterday. As I was passing by the front of the school, there was a group of 5-6 African American kids, roughly around 10-12 years old, in the middle of the sidewalk. I had my headphones on, with the volume relatively low so that I was not oblivious to my surrounding and traffic, etc. As I approached this group of kids and was just at them, I said “excuse me”, so that they would move out of my way as they were taking up the whole sidewalk. A young girl was staring at me as I was passing, said “hi”, I said “hi” and smiled in return, and she sort of attempted to put her arm on my shoulder. I t was then that the kids burst out laughing, all of them speaking at once so I couldn’t really understand what each were saying, but it was clearly at my expense. I was puzzled and a few feet away already when one of the male kids shouted out “ha, you stupid white cracker!” (FWIW, I am a 30 something white female).

I was really jarred, and being a completely non-confrontational person, pretended I did not hear due to the earphones, and kept going. I was really disturbed by this though, and wondered as I walked home if I should have said something to the kid? Gone inside to get a teacher to reprimand them? Anything else? After I calmed down and stopped going through the what-ifs, all I ended up feeling was sad. How on earth could this child say something like that to another person? What made them think that was OK? I know kids say and do awful, hurtful things (didn’t we all?) that they regret when older, but this was just – ugly. The racial component is obviously what disturbs me the most, and I ask in advance that the commentariat not be d-bags in your responses to this. I want honest suggestions.

So I still wonder – Should I have told someone or confronted them? What would you have done?”

For me and I think many others there are probably three answers – what you would like to have done, what emotionally you wanted to do, and finally what you would do. And as some will surely note this is also a situation where you won’t necessarily know how you’ll react unless you experience it for real. So it’d be very interesting to hear if others have experienced this or a very similar situation – what did you do/how did you react?

Personally, I’d like to think I would have spoken to/found a teacher and explained the situation in hopes the teacher would not only reprimand the student but explain why it was wrong. Unfortunately when kids are in groups they behave differently (as do adults). If the child was not in a group I’d like to thing I would have spoken to him/her and explained directly that it hurt my feelings and explained why.

Emotionally, I would like to approach the kids and strongly/loudly say, “do we have a problem? You think it’s ok to insult people? You realize cracker is a very insulting word don’t you? Don’t you!”. I’m certainly not saying that is the smartest/most effective reaction but, to be honest, emotionally I think initially I would have felt that way.

In reality, I’m sad to say I think I would probably just shake my head and walk away without saying a word.

Anyone ever been in this situation for real? If not how do you think you would react? What do you think is the most appropriate/beneficial (to the kids) way to react? For those that have children – how would you explain to your kids that this is wrong? Do you think there is any hope in correcting this behavior in 10-12 year olds?

Photo by PoPville flickr user christopher.poole

At the end of the day on Thurs. commenter bloom wrote a very thoughtful note in response to the post by Danny Harris titled, ‘Erica on How School Really Is’. The post seemed to hit a nerve with some commenters and after 120 comments bloom wrote:

Dear Erica,

You are an open and honest young woman, very sweet and interesting too. I’m glad your family is so strong.

My one wish for you is to stay with school/classes even when its boring. It is true school feels boring sometimes. Really you have no choice about attending school when you’re a kid/young person so at times, it feels not only boring but like prison. Yes, I remember that too, and I am very different from you, but in that regard, we’re the same… and I was normally the type of student who loved school.

Sometimes when you have a job, there are moments like that too. The trick is to try to find a job where you experience that “boring/prison” feeling as little as possible!

Nowadays, things even more boring, more often sometimes because we want to be online, on phones, etc.

Here are some ideas for being less bored.
#1, Know it’s the middle of the year — this is a hard time for everyone. Just keep going to class and stay with it. The end will come very soon. Keep focused on the conversation.

#2, There is nothing more boring than a class where the teacher does all the talking. Contribute to your classes. If you have opinions and you share them, you will model for others to do this. Classes where students share opinions (thoughtful ones on the subject) are great. I have a hard time believing your history or government classes are that boring, truly? In this city?

Keep reading and studying so you can speak up (as you did so nicely here) and continue to share.

#3, Know it’s okay to be bored from time to time.

If it’s extremely boring try reading a book in class. The teacher will get the picture, and you can’t be accused of anything!

#4, Find one friend, even if just for one class who you can rely on. Be helpful to each other with the class. A friend can make a class much less boring too. Study together.

#5, Know some teachers really do care about you, even though it isn’t always obvious. Notice how many students they work with and the jobs that they have. When you see a crappy teacher, see what you can learn on your own anyway. Those teachers exist. They don’t have the right to take away a subject from you.

#6, Try to find one class or just one subject that interests you especially, and enjoy pursuing it a little more. It will help you take your mind off of other things when you’re upset.

#7 H.S. is extremely social. All your social relationships will come and go. They are fun. If you learn anything, it will stay with you and be useful. Don’t sell yourself short and let your days be ruined by social crap.

#8, Work. (job) Start to go after what you want right away. You will see how the school stuff will apply and some of it will become more meaningful. You will see what you can and can’t get without education.

#9 It’s going to be over really soon. All of it.

But still you’ve got time.

You’ve got a lot of friends who care on here. They want the best for you too. Don’t worry too much about the grammar right now. You will probably have to work on that, and it doesn’t have to be too hard. Right now, just focus on making it through school, each day, finding some days to enjoy.

I thought this was very good advice – and it made me think it could be a fun FQotD: What’s the best advice you’ve ever received in general?

Some of the best advice I’ve ever received is very simple – read at least a book a month. Doesn’t have to be literature, can be any book at all, fiction or nonfiction.

These pictures really don’t do it justice but I was blown away by Stoddert Elementary School located at 4001 Calvert Street, NW. I can’t believe it is an elementary schools this is way nicer than my high school. Hell this is way nicer than my college…