Latest Announcements from Educate Ward 8

Hello Everyone- Educate Ward 8 and the Ward itself have had a great past week and are looking forward to some good things coming this week!

A few days ago, we were very excited to get an official note of support from Jacque Patterson, President of the Ward 8 Democrats! It is becoming more and more obvious with each note that Educate Ward 8 is quickly becoming and integral part of education reform here in Ward 8. You can read Jacque's note of support by clicking on the "supporters" tab on this site!

Also, I (Markus Batchelor) was able to get to E Street Cinema to see Waiting for Superman on Friday. Though there was really no groundbreaking or fairly new information in the movie, it definitely sparks awareness and thought about where our education system is, how it effects our nation's children, and what we all must do improve it. I will be writing a series of opinions on different issues that were raised in the movies in the upcoming weeks.

AND NOW, THIS WEEK, there is so much more in store:

Tuesday, October 12, 2010:

• 2010 National College Fair @The Walter Washington Convention Center (9am-1pm and 6pm-8pm): Students and Parents from across the District of Columbia will come to the convention center to speak with representatives from over 100 colleges and universities. Find more information here.
• Farm to School Kickoff Event @Thurgood Marshall Academy/ Savoy Elementary Shared Gym (1pm): Students will be the judges in a contest of local chefs competing to create the tastiest dish from a local apple harvest. The images from a city-wide School Garden Photo Contest will be displayed and the winning photographers announced. A brand-new school garden, shared by Thurgood Marshall Academy and neighboring Savoy Elementary School, will be named, dedicated, painted and planted. We’ll celebrate the passage of the DC Healthy Schools Act and the exciting changes in school lunches with Councilmember Mary Cheh. Special guests Dr. Kathleen Merrigan, Deputy Secretary of Agriculture, and Sam Kass, White House Chef and Senior Policy Adviser For Healthy Food Initiatives will join us to celebrate local and national efforts to grow healthier kids.
• Fairlawn Civic Association Meeting: Residents of the Fairlawn Neighborhood! Come join your neighborhoods to talk about the issues that matter most- including EDUCATION. @UPO Anacostia- 1649 Good Hope Road SE from 7-9:30pm

Thursday, October 14, 2010:

• Chancellor's Office Hours @Johnson Middle School, 1400 Bruce PL SE. (6pm-8pm). Come the Johnson Middle School on Thursday to have a five-minute sit-down with Chancellor Rhee about the issues that you care about the most. Email nicole.smith2@dc.gov to schedule an appointment.
• Fort Stanton Civic Association Meeting @Fort Stanton Rec Center, 18th and Erie St SE (7-8:30pm): Residents of the Fort Standon Neighborhood! Come join your neighborhoods to talk about the issues that matter most- including EDUCATION.

Saturday, October 16, 2010:

• Ward 8 Democrats Meeting @Matthews Memorial Baptist Church, 2616 Martin Luther King Avenue SE (Noon). At this month's meeting, it's time to MEET YOUR ANC COMMISSIONERS! Come to Matthews on Saturday and get to know those who represent you on the first tier of DC's Government system and talk to them about our Ward's most pressing issues.

CHECK OUT EDUCATE WARD 8'S CALENDAR FOR MORE EVENTS

WE ALSO STILL NEED YOU TO JOIN AND SUPPORT US! CLICK ON THE "JOIN US" TAB AND MAKE A COMMITMENT TO OUR CHILDREN.

Press Release: OSSE Announces 2010 National College Fair

It is not only important to ensure that our students get a good education through High School, but that they are given the opportunity to attain the near-essential opportunity for a post-secondary education.

This is why we encourage all of you, students and parents, to attend the 2010 National College Fair, on October 12, 2010 at the Washington Convention Center. The official press release with more information is below.

September 7, 2010

OSSE Announces 2010 National College Fair

(Washington, DC) – The Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE), AXA Achievement, National Association of College Admission Counselors (NACAC), The College Board, and School Guide Publications are partnering to host the National College Fair, Tuesday, October 12, 2010 at the Walter Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC. The National College Fair is one of several College Awareness activities held in the District. The 2009 Fair was the largest college fair held in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Over 6,600 students from DC public schools, DC public charter schools, as well as Virginia and Maryland schools attended. Some came from as far as Camden, New Jersey and Colonial Beach, Virginia. Representatives from over 225 universities and colleges throughout the United States, England and Canada were also in attendance. Over 220 colleges and universities have already committed to attend this year’s Fair, and the 2010 National College Fair is expected to exceed last year’s attendance! Students and parents can meet one-on-one with college representatives, visit the Counseling Center to talk with a counselor about choosing majors, and go to the Resource Center to get information on financial aid, grants and scholarships. The College Fair will have workshops covering topics including financial aid, standardized tests, and the college application process. Students should contact their high school guidance counselor for further information on pre-registration. Students and parents are encouraged to pre-register online with the colleges they intend to visit at the Fair. By pre-registering, student information only has to be entered once online, which eliminates the need to fill out numerous information cards during the fair. The 2010 National College Fair will be held October 12, 2010 at the Walter Washington Convention Center from 9am–1 pm and 6 pm–8 pm. The Convention Center is located on Metro’s Green Line at Mt. Vernon Square, 7th and Mt. Vernon Place, NW). For more information, please visit the 2010 National College Fair Website or contact OSSE at (202) 727-2824.